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Lifeguards Rescue Pilot After Small Plane Crashes Off Rhode Island Coast

WESTERLY, R.I. (CBS) — Lifeguards rescued a pilot following a small plane crash Saturday afternoon off the Rhode Island coast.

U.S. Coast Guard officials say the white Cessna plane crashed into the waters near Weekapaug Breachway in Westerly around 12:40 p.m.

The on-duty lifeguards swam out to the pilot and brought him back to shore. They then brought him to Westerly Fire Station.

From there, the pilot was rushed to a Westerly hospital. The extent of his injuries are unknown, but the Coast Guard did say he was conscious and able to tell rescuers that no one else was in the plane with him.

The Coast Guard launched a 45-foot boat from Point Judith, but the pilot had already been rescued.

Officials say fuel leaked from the plane but it will most likely dissipate. State Police were overseeing the removal of the aircraft.

No additional information was immediately available.

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