Pilot Relives Water Landing

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – In the wake of that devastating plane crash on Long Island last week, a pilot who survived a crash landing in the water years ago shares his ordeal with our Berthony McDermott.

Bahamas Evac Services CEO Anthiniqueko Gibson is reliving one of a few forced landings in his years as a pilot.

Gibson says when flying, situations can change in the blink of an eye.

In 2015, Gibson was among five individuals including an eight-month-old baby who went down in waters heading to Crooked Island.

Gibson was flying a single-engine Cessna. On board were his brother, cousin, and the eight-month-old was his nephew.

He said his training coupled with life experiences all contributed to what happened on the night of the water landing.

Once the plane was already landed, Gibson said the priority was the baby.

However, Gibson explains his experience was out of the ordinary. Instead of panic, he said he experienced a calmness.

Gibson said once out of the plane, he and his family boarded a raft that they tied to the tail of the plane.

He said they waited more than seven hours before they were rescued by the United States Coast Guard.

While he agrees that the country should have its rescue operations, he says it’s not a cheap venture.