A seaplane made an emergency landing this Sunday in the East River, in New York City, triggering a rescue operation in which the eight people on board were successfully evacuated.

The Fire Department of New York (FDNY) reported that the aircraft made a “hard landing” on water shortly after noon, off FDR Drive, near East 23rd Street, in Manhattan.

Two people suffered minor injuries

According to the FDNY, two occupants suffered minor injuries and were treated by emergency medical technicians at the scene.

The other six people were unharmed.

After the rescue, the aircraft was towed to a nearby dock.

The pilot declared an emergency before landing

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the seaplane suffered a broken support on one of its wings during the emergency landing.

Air traffic control communications records released by ATC.com captured the moment the pilot issued a mayday call before descending over the river.

According to flight tracking data, the aircraft had previously taken off from East Hampton Airport, in New York state.

Police helicopter confirmed the rescue

Another aircraft flying over the area informed air traffic controllers about the situation of the occupants after the incident.

A New York Police Department (NYPD) helicopter later confirmed by radio that all persons had been safely removed from the seaplane and noted that one of the wing supports was broken.

Videos recorded after the incident show the aircraft floating upright over the river, although with one of its wings tilted into the water.

The FAA opened an investigation

Authorities received a report of an aircraft in the water shortly after 12:00 p.m. Sunday.

So far, neither the registration number of the seaplane nor the identity of its owner have been released.

The Federal Aviation Administration opened an investigation to determine what caused the emergency landing and to establish whether there was any mechanical failure or any other factor that contributed to the incident.