A helicopter and its crew made it back to shore on airboats after going down in Lake Jesup, photos show. According to Airboat Rides at Midway, the helicopter crew was a local one that collects alligator eggs for the state and uses the helicopter to spot alligator nests. The helicopter reportedly needed to land due to a mechanical issue, doing so on a floating island in the lake because it was “the only thing close,” a company spokesperson said in a statement. Airboat Rides at Midway was then hailed via phone by Brooks Family Alligator Farm to assist in retrieving the helicopter, the statement reads. Photos and video of the operation show the helicopter getting loaded by hand onto one of the airboats and being brought back to Cameron Wight Park by State Road 46.
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. —
A helicopter and its crew made it back to shore on airboats after going down in Lake Jesup, photos show.
According to Airboat Rides at Midway, the helicopter crew was a local one that collects alligator eggs for the state and uses the helicopter to spot alligator nests.
The helicopter reportedly needed to land due to a mechanical issue, doing so on a floating island in the lake because it was “the only thing close,” a company spokesperson said in a statement. Airboat Rides at Midway was then hailed via phone by Brooks Family Alligator Farm to assist in retrieving the helicopter, the statement reads.
Photos and video of the operation show the helicopter getting loaded by hand onto one of the airboats and being brought back to Cameron Wight Park by State Road 46.
Airboat Rides at Midway
A helicopter on an airboat.