Seaplane Crash in Puget Sound: All Survive After Fire
Wertynews.com – A seaplane crashes catches fire in Puget Sound area north of Seattle, but all 11 people aboard emerged unharmed from the dramatic incident. The accident occurred Thursday evening when a Kenmore Air aircraft made an emergency landing in Shallow Bay, near Sucia Island in the San Juan Islands. The plane, a de Havilland DHC-3 Otter, was traveling from Seattle to Roche Harbor when the incident unfolded at approximately 5:15 p.m. local time. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene to assist passengers and crew who had evacuated into the water.
Emergency Response and Injuries
The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that everyone on the plane was rescued from the water following the crash. According to officials, multiple patients sustained injuries ranging from head trauma to broken bones and lacerations. One patient was reported to be in critical condition, though there were no fatalities at this time. Three airlift ambulances were dispatched to the scene to transport the injured passengers to medical facilities for treatment.
“Everyone aboard has been accounted for,” Kenmore Air stated in an official release regarding the incident.
First responders at the scene included Coast Guard personnel alongside local emergency services. The rapid response helped ensure that all passengers received timely medical attention. Video footage captured by onlooker Monica Scott showed the plane wobbling as it flew only a few feet above the water before crashing and bursting into flames. The Coast Guard also provided additional video documentation of the burning aircraft as it sat partially submerged in the bay.
Investigation and Aftermath
The National Transportation Safety Board confirmed to CBS News on Friday that it is actively investigating the crash. Investigators expect the airplane to be recovered on Friday and transported to a secure facility for thorough examination. Kenmore Air emphasized that they will not speculate regarding the cause of the accident out of respect for those involved. CEO David Gudgel stated that the carrier is fully cooperating with investigating authorities and will continue providing verified information as it becomes available.
Kenmore Air describes itself as the largest seaplane airline in the United States, operating flights throughout the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia. The company also maintains a wheeled aircraft operation known as Kenmore Air Express. Shallow Bay, where the incident occurred, sits at the northwestern tip of Sucia Island State Park in Washington state’s San Juan Islands. This location is situated north of Seattle and near the Canadian border, making it a popular destination for seaplane travelers.
“Out of respect for those involved, we will not speculate regarding the cause of the accident,” Kenmore Air said in its official statement.
While there was no early word on what might have gone wrong with the plane, investigators are examining multiple factors that could have contributed to the emergency landing. The incident has drawn attention to the safety of seaplane operations in the Puget Sound region, particularly during evening flights when visibility may be reduced. Passengers and crew members are expected to recover from their injuries, and the investigation will continue to determine the precise cause of the crash that brought this seaplane down in Puget Sound waters.
