New Delhi, May 14 -- As many as 11 people survived a plane crash at sea and then endured five terrifying hours adrift on a raft before rescuers finally brought them to safety in what officials described as a "miraculous" operation.

NBC News reported Wednesday that the aircraft crashed into the sea nearly 80 miles off Melbourne on Tuesday. The Coast Guard, in a statement, said that all 11 people aboard "are accounted for."

Speaking to reporters, Air Force Maj. Elizabeth Piowaty said on Wednesday, "And from what I've seen, I mean, for all those people to survive is pretty miraculous."

According to Florida Today, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said the aircraft, a Beechcraft BE30, took off from Marsh Harbour Airport on Abaco Is...