Helicopter crashes off the coast of Miami Beach

A helicopter crashed off the shores Miami Beach on Saturday while dozens of sunbathers were enjoying a sunny day, according to videos posted on social networks.

The Miami Beach Police Department (MBPD) shared a video on Twitter showing how the helicopter, whose propellers are still spinning, falls into the sea a few meters from where the bathers were.

"This afternoon at 1:10 p.m., MBPD received a call reporting a helicopter crash in the ocean near 10th Street," the statement read.  

Police indicated that the two passengers in the helicopter were transported to a nearby hospital and are in stable condition.

"The beach area between 9th and 11th Streets is currently closed. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responding to the scene," they added.

Videos shared on social media show swimmers approaching the scene of the incident, many of them documenting the moment.

This afternoon at 1:10 p.m., MBPD received a call of a helicopter crash in the ocean near 10 Street. Police and @MiamiBeachFire responded to the scene along with several partner agencies. Two occupants have been transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital in stable condition.

1/2 pic.twitter.com/heSIqnQtle

— Miami Beach Police (@MiamiBeachPD) February 19, 2022