Southport Fire Department honors rescuers, pilot in Oak Island plane crash
SOUTHPORT, NC (WWAY) — The Southport Fire Department on Monday recognized the first responders and pilot involved in an ocean rescue earlier this month off Oak Island.
On Aug. 2, pilot Mark Finkelstein made an emergency landing in the water near the Oak Island Pier after his plane lost power. Officials say his decision to land in the ocean instead of the crowded beach likely prevented injuries to others.
Firefighters from Southport and Oak Island, along with Oak Island Water Rescue, responded under a mutual aid agreement. Within minutes, Southport firefighters Austin Lancaster and Chad Cicillo deployed a jet ski to reach the plane, assisted by Oak Island firefighter Chris Dunham, who swam to the crash site on a rescue board.
The rescuers pulled Finkelstein from the cockpit and transported him to shore, where he was treated by Brunswick County EMS.
“This is a perfect example of why we are partners with Oak Island Fire Department and have a standing water rescue mutual aid agreement,” Southport Fire Chief Drew said during the ceremony. “In emergency situations, seconds matter.”
Finkelstein said he had about a minute to prepare for the landing once the engine quit. One the plane hit the water it flipped, but then righted itself. Finkelstein said he didn’t feel injured, but the water level was rising and he couldn’t find the door handle.
“I thought to myself, is this really it? Is this how this is all going to end?” And within seconds of that thought crossing his mind, “I felt myself being pulled out of the plane,” Finkelstein said.
He praised the rescuers for their speed and teamwork.
“Calling somebody a lifesaver might sometimes be said casually. But in this case, it is absolutely true and accurate,” he said.
Finkelstein, who was uninjured except for a minor cut, said he is forever grateful to those who reached him so quickly.
During the ceremony, each firefighter received a certificate and medal of heroism. The event also highlighted the long-standing partnership between Southport and Oak Island fire departments and the role community donations have played in funding water rescue equipment.
