A small plane plunged into the Atlantic Ocean just off Boca Raton beach, leaving the pilot, Faith Tenkley, as the only occupant. Witnesses and rescuers quickly responded to this dramatic event. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported. The intricate rescue and subsequent events were captured on video by a beachgoer.
Experienced Pilot
Faith Tenkley, 23, with four years of piloting experience, skillfully navigated her twin-engine Piper as she approached the coast. She maneuvered around buildings and avoided paddleboarders before identifying an open stretch of water for landing. The plane smoothly touched down at 9:40 a.m. local time.
Immediate Rescue
A lifeguard promptly reached Tenkley within a minute of the downing near 250 South Ocean Blvd. A Boca Raton Ocean Rescue fire boat followed soon after, according to local authorities. Video footage showed the tail of the plane sticking out of the ocean and the lifeguard assisting Tenkley to shore.
“One of the reasons Faith wanted to talk to me was to clear up misinformation she saw online about the pilot being a guy and a ‘surfer girl’ rescuing him,”
Notably, Tenkley sought to dispel misinformation about the incident, clarifying that she was the pilot rescued by a lifeguard, not a surfer. Her attire, a long skirt over a bikini, led some beachfront observers to incorrectly speculate.
Technical Difficulties
Departing from Page Field in Fort Myers, Tenkley was en route to Bimini, Bahamas, to pick up her parents. Roughly 15 miles west of Boca Raton, mechanical issues emerged. Initially considering a diversion to Boca Raton Airport, she reconsidered due to a malfunctioning landing gear and the risk of a fiery touchdown given the refueled aircraft.
With the right engine failing, Tenkley decisively opted for an ocean landing over risking land, avoiding potential calamity. Beachgoers witnessed the plane’s low approach and careful descent. Maria Marks, present at the event, noted her surprise at seeing the descending aircraft while applying sunscreen to her child.
Witness Accounts and Praise
Alexis Arizzi, another witness, commented on the plane’s slow descent and “delicate” water landing. Observers praised Tenkley’s adept handling, which kept the aircraft intact. FlightAware lost track of the flight, but the successful water landing was documented by onlookers.
Faith Tenkley’s quick thinking and piloting skills averted disaster in what could have been a perilous situation.