Small Plane Makes Emergency Water Landing Near Oak Island Pier, Pilot Rescued

On August 2, 2025, a small single-engine plane, identified as a Jabiru J230-D, made an emergency water landing near Oak Island Pier in North Carolina. The pilot, the only person on board, was quickly rescued by the Oak Island Beach Safety Unit, which was already nearby responding to another water rescue call, and was treated on shore for non-life-threatening injuries. The plane was recovered and towed out of the water with assistance from local agencies including the Southport Fire Department, Caswell Beach Police Department, U.S. Coast Guard, and Brunswick County EMS. The Federal Aviation Administration has taken over the investigation from the Coast Guard. Town officials expressed gratitude to all mutual aid responders involved in the rescue and recovery efforts. The incident was captured on video showing the plane barely floating and the pilot being retrieved by lifeguards.