Three people were forced to swim to shore after a Cessna 402B aircraft made an emergency landing in the sea off the coast of Haiti on Wednesday. The twin-engine turboprop, operated by ZED Airlines, was en route from Cap-Haïtien to Port-au-Prince when it ditched in coastal waters near Lafiteau shortly before midday.
Passengers Swim to Safety
Video footage captured the aircraft floating in the water close to Ibo Beach, with the pilot and two passengers wading through shallow waters toward land. Emergency services attended to the three individuals, who are reported to be in a stable condition. Photographs show the group swimming ashore, where they received immediate assistance.
Investigation Underway
Aviation authorities and ZED Airlines' technical team have launched a full investigation into the incident. No preliminary details regarding possible mechanical faults have been released. The condition of the aircraft, built in 1972, is still being evaluated.
A spokesperson for ZED Airlines said those on board expressed relief that there were "no human losses to regret." The airline stated that passenger safety remains its priority and promised future updates as the investigation continues. The airline also praised the pilot's expert handling and the swift response of ground crews for preventing the incident from ending in tragedy.
