Mayday moment: Viral clip shows Bahamas seaplane crash seconds after takeoff

BIMINI, BAHAMAS: A scenic tourist flight in the Bahamas spiralled into a heart-stopping emergency when a seaplane crashed just moments into its takeoff run, the entire ordeal captured on camera.

The now-viral footage originally captured Saturday, August 1 shows the aircraft lurching violently before crashing and beginning to sink, as passengers scrambled to escape and stunned onlookers rushed in to help.

Viral cabin video shows panic unfold

The dramatic footage, filmed from inside the cabin of a Cessna 208B seaplane, opens like a routine departure, with passengers seated calmly as the aircraft taxis across the waters off North Bimini.

Within moments, the calm unravels.

The plane suddenly veers off course, rattling as it skims across the water instead of lifting into the air.

Before passengers can grasp the danger, it crashes with force into a dock near a waterfront resort.

The impact sends the cabin into chaos, with shocked reactions audible as crew urgently order an evacuation.

Footage captured after the crash shows the aircraft listing heavily to one side before slowly sinking into the water.

Crash after pilot changed course

According to Bahamas police, the crash occurred Saturday morning as the pilot prepared for takeoff but encountered boat traffic in the area.

Investigators said the aircraft shifted course in an attempt to find a safer path.

While taxiing across the water, the seaplane suddenly began pulling to the left. Despite efforts to correct it, the aircraft kept drifting until it crashed.

It never left the water.

Authorities said the 2014 Cessna 208B was carrying eight passengers and two crew members at the time.

The incident unfolded in full view of nearby boaters, several of whom immediately rushed toward the stricken aircraft without waiting for emergency crews.

One witness reportedly recalled seeing the crew moving quickly to evacuate passengers before the plane tipped further.

Another said passengers were already gathered on the wing as the nose dipped lower into the water.

Within minutes, everyone on board had been moved onto nearby boats as emergency responders headed to the scene.

Officials said the swift action by civilians helped prevent a far more serious outcome.

Despite the terrifying impact and images showing the aircraft partially submerged, authorities confirmed that all 10 people on board were safely rescued.