ALM Flight 980 was a scheduled flight from Saint Maarten to New York City operated by Antillean Airlines. On the day of the incident, the flight experienced severe problems shortly after takeoff, specifically, engine failure. The flight crew attempted to rectify the situation but were unable to maintain altitude. The captain, realizing that a safe return to the airport was not feasible, chose to ditch the aircraft into the Caribbean Sea near Saint Croix, which was one of the closest landfalls at that moment. Despite the challenging conditions, some safety measures were successfully implemented, including deploying life vests and preparing passengers for impact. As a result, 34 out of the 57 individuals aboard survived the ditching, though the conditions of the water and weather played a significant role in the survival rate.Rescue efforts commenced almost immediately, with nearby vessels and local authorities alerted to the situation. Sadly, despite the operation of life rafts, several passengers lost their lives due to injuries sustained during the impact or subsequent challenges in the water. The tragic loss of 23 individuals drew significant media coverage, prompting discussions about aviation safety and the measures taken by airlines to ensure passenger protection during emergencies. Investigations followed to understand the causes of the engine failure and to implement necessary changes in operating procedures across the industry, especially concerning aircraft maintenance and emergency response protocols.