2 Killed In Plane Crash Off Florida Keys

MARATHON, FL — Two bodies were recovered Sunday from a small plane crash offshore from the Florida keys, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. The plane was headed to Georgia.

The Coast Guard was contacted by a good Samaritan who spotted a debris field about half a mile north of Florida Keys Marathon International Airport.

"Watchstanders diverted an Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry airplane crew, Coast Guard Auxiliary Tiger 1 airplane crew and launched a Coast Guard Station Marathon 33-foot Special Purpose Craft — Law Enforcement crew," the Coast Guard said. "The Station Marathon boatcrew arrived on scene, confirmed the debris was from a Cessna high wing single engine plane that had left from the airport, recovered two deceased persons and transferred them (to) an awaiting Monroe County Sheriff's Office medical examiner."

A spokesperson for the Federal Aviation Administration said the Cessna 210 crashed into the water one mile north of Marathon.

"The plane took off after departure from Florida Keys Marathon International Airport yesterday at 6:30 a.m.," the FAA spokesperson told Patch. "The flight was enroute to Savannah, Georgia."

It was not immediately clear what caused the plane to crash. The names of the victims were not immediately released.