Story perspectives

Airboat Captain Hauls Stranded Helicopter from Lake Jesup

7/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

Airboat captain Derrick Lockhart rescued a 1,500-pound helicopter that landed on a Lake Jesup island after a mechanical failure.
Lockhart removed the front railing of his “Green Mamba” airboat.
Fourteen crew members hauled the helicopter about 75 yards to the water’s edge with wood pilings.
They loaded the aircraft onto the airboat and towed it a mile to Cameron Wight Park on State Road 46.
The helicopter crew, a local alligator-egg collection team, suffered no injuries.

1 of 1

Story summary

Airboat captain Derrick Lockhart rescued a 1,500-pound helicopter that landed on a Lake Jesup island after a mechanical failure.
Lockhart removed the front railing of his “Green Mamba” airboat.
Fourteen crew members hauled the helicopter about 75 yards to the water’s edge with wood pilings.
They loaded the aircraft onto the airboat and towed it a mile to Cameron Wight Park on State Road 46.
The helicopter crew, a local alligator-egg collection team, suffered no injuries.