Passengers were rescued when a plane made an emergency landing at sea in Indonesia today.

The Smart Air Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, carrying 15 people from Nabire to Kaimana in West Papua, crashed in the waters off Nabire, Central Papua, shortly after takeoff on January 27.

Footage shows emergency responders and volunteers inspecting the aircraft as it remained afloat near the Logpond Kaladiri area, close to the airport.

Several passengers exited the plane, registered PK-SNS, and walked on the fuselage and wings while awaiting rescue.

Nabire Police Chief Senior Assistant Commissioner Samuel Tatiratu confirmed all passengers are safe.

The police boss added: 'It is true that the Smart Air aircraft operating the Nabire-Kaimana route made an emergency landing in coastal waters at around 12:45 pm local time.

'All passengers have been reported safe and are currently in stable condition.'

PT Smart Cakrawala Aviation said the aircraft experienced an engine problem shortly after departure.

The company added: 'The Pilot in Command decided to return to base, but due to a continued decrease in engine thrust, an emergency landing was carried out near the shoreline of Nabire airport.'

Authorities are investigating the incident.