BDF Makes Emergency Landing in Gales Point Marshes

A BDF Defender made an emergency landing this afternoon. Around 3 pm the 'BDF Defender 05' was heading back to the BDF Airwing after flying a reconnaissance mission over Punta Gorda when the pilot found out that there was some type of mechanical problem. He made a decision to land in an area about 5 miles north of Gales Point Manatee. We don't know exactly where that was but the area has been described by the Belize Defense Force as being "in the marshes." There were eight soldiers on board - including the pilot. All of them were able to walk out of the plane without any injuries. All eight are tonight at BDF headquarters at Price Barracks in Ladyville. The plane remains in those marshes and cannot be moved and is being guarded by BDF soldiers. The army will now investigate the circumstances behind the mechanical malfunction.