Republican candidate for Governor Tom Tiffany suffered minor injuries when a plane he was in made an emergency landing in a Wausau lake.
The pilot also suffered minor injuries.
The Marathon County Sheriff’s Office says a report of a plane crash came in at 8:49 p.m. Saturday.
The plane, a Beechcraft K35, apparently had a mechanical problem while approaching Wausau Downtown Airport.
The pilot then made an emergency landing in Lake Wausau.
73-year-old pilot Leonard Boltz of Pearson and the 68-year-old Tiffany from Hazelhurst got out of the plane and called 911.
They swam toward shallow water as emergency responders searched for them.
Just after 9:00 p.m., they were rescued by a Wausau Fire Department airboat.
Both men were taken to a local hospital and treated for minor injuries.
"I was released from the hospital last night(Saturday night) after receiving stitches above my right eye, and the pilot was also released. We thank God that neither of us suffered more serious injuries after the plane we were traveling in lost power.," said Tiffany in a Facebook Post after the emergency landing. "I’m especially grateful to the pilot, the Wausau Fire Department, law enforcement, first responders, and the team at Aspirus Wausau Hospital for their incredible care and quick response."
Tiffany's opponent in the Governor's race, Democrat David Crowley, also issued a statement on Facebook.
"I'm grateful to God that Congressman Tiffany and no one else was hurt in this horrifying incident, which could have been a tragedy if not for the heroism of the pilot," said Crowley.
"I wish them and the Congressman a quick recovery and that they can find solace with their loved ones."
The plane remains in Lake Wausau and a no wake buoy has been placed near the aircraft.
Boaters are asked to avoid that area.
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board were notified of the crash.
