A plane hurtled into the ocean approximately ten miles north of Florida Keys Marathon International Airport on Wednesday afternoon. Sector Key West watchstanders were notified of the incident at around 4.30pm local time after Coast Guard District Seven watchstanders reported a plane crashing down.

       The aircraft, Cessna 210, is a tiny six-seat, single engine model.

       The three survivors were dragged to safety by a Coast Guard Station Marathon 33-foot Special Purpose Craft boat crew who pulled the trio on board.

       They were then transported to the shore where they received medical attention to their minor injuries.

       A commercial salvage company has been contracted to salvage the submerged aircraft, the official statement from the coast guard reports.

       READ MORE: Ghislaine Maxwell found GUILTY - jury reaches verdict

       Paul Altieri, Petty Officer 3rd Class and a duty watchstander at Coast Guard Sector Key West expressed his gratitude to the “good Samaritan” who aided the rescue operation.

       He said: “Thank you to the good Samaritan for arriving on scene and recovering the three survivors.

       “Their quick response undoubtedly played a tremendous role in this rescue.”

       The US Coast Guard Southeast (USCG) reported the incident on their Twitter account.

       They wrote: “@USCG Station Marathon crew and a good Samaritan rescued three people from a downed aircraft approximately ten miles north of #FloridaKeys #Marathon International Airport, Wednesday.

       “The aircrew was transported ashore to local EMS with minor injuries.”

       Prior to the lucky rescue, the USCG published an appeal to locate the passengers as well as the downed aircraft.

       It read: “The @USCG is searching for two adult males aboard a 31-foot, 1985 Trophy recreational vessel, Dog House, which reportedly departed yesterday from Blackwater Marina, Yankeetown, Fla.

       “Anyone with information, please contact Sector St. Petersburg at 727-824-7534.”