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TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Blaine Gabbert

Bucs backup QB Blaine Gabbert assists in water rescue that saved four people after helicopter crash

Scooby Axson
USA TODAY

Tampa Bay Buccaneers backup quarterback Blaine Gabbert assisted in the rescue of four people who were in a helicopter that crashed near Tampa, Florida. 

Tampa police say that the four individuals were completing a helicopter tour Thursday afternoon when the chopper had to make an emergency landing about 200 yards from Davis Islands upon trying to make an approach to the Peter O. Knight Airport near downtown Tampa. 

The helicopter lost power and crashed near the Davis Islands Yacht Club.

All four people left the scene with no injuries. 

"No one was found to be injured and all four occupants of the helicopter safely reached shore. TPD is currently coordinating with local and federal agencies regarding the investigation and eventual recovery of the helicopter," authorities said. 

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Gabbert said during a Friday press conference that he was jet skiing with his two younger brothers who were visiting from St. Louis. They jumped into action and assisted in the rescue when Gabbert saw what he thought was a crew boat that had broken up into four pieces.

"I remember seeing two lifejackets, so we raced over there. It looked like they were in duress," Gabbert said. "The youngest kid had just came up and said he was pinned in there."

Gabbert asked if anyone else was trapped and called 911. Gabbert put two on his jet ski and his brothers loaded the other passenger on theirs. The pilot was still in the water when authorities rescued him. 

"I was just at the right place at the right time," Gabbert said, while crediting the Tampa Police for their quick response.

One of the passengers, 28-year-old Hunter Rapp, said he was trapped underwater for nearly a minute.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (11) in action during the game against the Cleveland Browns at Raymond James Stadium.

"I am pretty astonished that I am standing here to talk to you," Hupp said, according to the Tampa Bay Times. Rapp's parents and a pilot were the other people in the helicopter. 

Gabbert, a former first round pick, has played in the NFL for 12 seasons and has been the Buccaneers backup for the past three years after stops with the Jacksonville Jaguars, San Francisco 49ers, Arizona Cardinals and Tennessee Titans.

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