Blaine Gabbert: The Buccaneers quarterback helped save a household from a helicopter crash by jet ski

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Blaine Gabbert used jet skis to rescue the occupants of a helicopter after it landed within the water Thursday, he stated in a Friday information convention.

He and his two brothers, Tyler and Brett, had been jet snowboarding in Hillsborough Bay, Fla., when he stated they heard “a faint noise.”

“We circled … and I simply keep in mind seeking to the west and seeing – it nearly regarded like a crew boat that had damaged into about 4 items within the water – and I vaguely keep in mind seeing two yellow life jackets to have,” Gabbert stated.

Upon reaching the location, Gabbert stated he realized it was a helicopter within the water and was anticipating the “worst-case situation.”

Tampa Police stated the helicopter was on its manner again to Peter O. Knight Airport when the pilot allegedly heard a loud bang after which misplaced energy.

About 300 toes from the airport’s seashore, the pilot made an emergency water touchdown close to Davis Islands Yacht Membership, police stated, ending up within the water with all occupants.

“It regarded like they had been in hassle. We sped over there, the youngest boy had simply come up and he stated he was trapped in there and I requested if anybody else was trapped,” Gabbert stated, recalling later within the press convention that the household had been all visibly shaken and coated Oil from the crash touchdown.

“Then I referred to as 911 and tried to remain as calm as doable … I used to be in the proper place at precisely the proper time. Credit score actually goes to the Tampa Police Division, Fireplace Division and Sheriff’s Division for being there in 5 seconds.

“It was fairly outstanding. I’ve two on my jet ski, my brothers have one, the pilot was nonetheless within the water. That is if you guys confirmed up.”

Tampa Police Division footage that arrived on the scene shortly after Gabbert and his brothers confirmed the jet skis circling the crash web site and the helicopter pilot boarding the police boat.

Gabbert and his brothers safely piloted their jet skis again to the seashore, and he was made an honorary member of the Tampa Police Marine Patrol after his function in Thursday’s rescue.