Vero Beach, FL – A passenger from a plane that crashed off the Florida coast on Tuesday has been arrested in a federal drug investigation.
Jonathan Gardiner, one of 11 survivors of the crash, is charged with cocaine importation conspiracy, according to federal court records. The Beechcraft 300 King Air turboprop was en route from Marsh Harbour in the Bahamas to Grand Bahama International Airport when it experienced engine failure, leading the pilot to ditch the aircraft approximately 50 miles off Vero Beach.
Authorities reported that three of the passengers sustained minor injuries but were all in stable condition after being transported to Melbourne Orlando International Airport. Emergency responders assisted at the scene, and the FAA has announced an investigation into the incident.
The complaint against Gardiner alleges he was involved in a drug conspiracy dating back to at least 2023. Upon rescue, he was found with three phones and a bag containing about $30,000 in Bahamian currency, which was linked to a planned cocaine shipment in 2024. The currency was allegedly tied to a Bahamian politician in discussions concerning drug trafficking operations.
Prior to this incident, Gardiner had a history of drug convictions, including a 2006 sentence of approximately 18 years for narcotics and money laundering, followed by his deportation to the Bahamas in 2014.
Further details regarding the ongoing investigation are expected as authorities continue to assess the implications of the arrest.