A small aircraft made an emergency landing in the water just offshore of Honeymoon Island State Park on Saturday afternoon, prompting a multi-agency response.
According to Dunedin Fire Rescue, crews were dispatched at approximately 12:38 p.m. to Honeymoon Island State Park, located at 1 Causeway Blvd., after receiving reports that a small aircraft was experiencing an in-flight emergency.
The aircraft came to rest about 25 yards offshore. All occupants were able to safely exit the aircraft and make their way to shore before first responders arrived.
Firefighters and EMS personnel evaluated the occupants, who sustained only minor injuries. No serious injuries were reported.
Records show the aircraft is a 1974 Mooney M20F.
As a precaution, fire rescue crews inspected the aircraft for any signs of a fuel leak. Officials said there were no visible signs of fuel being released into the surrounding water.
Several agencies responded to assist with the incident, including the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the United States Coast Guard, Florida State Parks, and other regional public safety partners.
The cause of the emergency landing remains under investigation.