2 Rescued After Seaplane Tips Into Oakland County Lake: Sheriff

ORCHARD LAKE, MI — Two men were rescued from Orchard Lake on Monday after their seaplane began sinking into the water, according to sheriff's officials.

The incident happened around 1 p.m. Monday on Orchard Lake, according to sheriff's officials.

Officials said the seaplane was trying to take off from the lake when the pilot aborted the maneuver.

While the seaplane was stationary in the water, it started tipping toward the passenger side and became partially submerged, officials said.

The pilot, a 26-year-old Auburn Hills man, and his passenger, a 75-year-old Ann Arbor man, evacuated the seaplane, officials said.

They were rescued by a nearby boater who took them safely to shore, officials said.

Neither occupant was injured in the incident, officials said.

"Thankfully, for a variety of reasons and assistance from a good Samaritan, what could’ve been a tragic event ended without the loss of life" Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said. "I am also proud of our search and rescue team that continues to show its capability in difficult situations, including recovering an aircraft."

Officials were able to recover the partially submerged seaplane from the water. They are still investigating the cause of the aborted takeoff and subsequent partial submersion.