11 people rescued after seaplane crashes off Washington coast
Emergency Landing Saves All Aboard Kenmore Air Seaplane Near Washington Islands
Activelifezero.com – A dramatic incident unfolded Thursday afternoon when a Kenmore Air floatplane carrying eleven individuals executed an emergency landing in the waters near Washington’s San Juan Islands. The aircraft, which subsequently caught fire, prompted a coordinated multi-agency response that successfully located and rescued everyone on board. According to the United States Coast Guard, all passengers and the pilot have been accounted for following the incident near Sucia Island.
Timeline of Events
The flight departed from Lake Union in Seattle at 4:30 p.m., bound for Roche Harbor, a destination approximately one hundred miles to the northwest. The aircraft experienced difficulties roughly forty-five minutes into its journey, leading to the emergency water landing. The Coast Guard received preliminary reports of the incident at approximately 5:25 p.m. local time and swiftly mobilized search and rescue resources.
Several organizations participated in the rescue operation, including the US Navy, the Canadian Coast Guard, and various local emergency agencies. The coordinated effort ensured that all eleven individuals—comprising one pilot and ten passengers—were safely retrieved from the water and the burning aircraft.
Medical Response and Injuries
Emergency medical services responded to the scene, transporting injured individuals to multiple hospitals in the region. Four passengers sustained serious injuries requiring hospitalization. San Juan County Sheriff Eric Peter informed reporters that one of these four individuals was transported in critical condition.
The spectrum of injuries among the victims included head trauma, broken bones, and lacerations, according to Sheriff Peter. Two of the injured passengers were taken to a medical facility in Bellingham, while the other two were transported to a hospital in Seattle, as reported by the airline to CNN affiliate KOMO.
Seven additional passengers who were not seriously injured were brought to a US Coast Guard base for thorough medical evaluation and monitoring. This comprehensive approach ensured that all individuals received appropriate care following the incident.
Company Statement and Investigation
Kenmore Air leadership expressed gratitude that all individuals were safely accounted for. CEO David Gudgel emphasized the company’s commitment to passenger welfare and cooperation with authorities.
“We are grateful that everyone aboard has been accounted for, and our immediate focus is ensuring our passengers and pilot receive the care and support they need,” Gudgel stated in an official communication.
The airline confirmed it is working closely with investigating authorities to determine what caused the emergency landing. The exact circumstances that prompted the aircraft to make an emergency landing remain unclear at this time.
“Kenmore Air is fully cooperating with the investigating authorities, and we will continue providing verified information as it becomes available,” Gudgel added.
Media representatives from CNN have contacted multiple organizations involved in the incident, including Kenmore Air, the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, the US Navy, the Canadian Coast Guard, and the Federal Aviation Administration, to gather additional details about the ongoing investigation.
Regional Context
The San Juan Islands, located in the Pacific Northwest, are a popular destination for seaplane flights from Seattle. The area’s scenic beauty and accessibility make it a frequent route for both commercial and recreational aviation. The incident occurred in waters that are regularly traversed by floatplanes, highlighting the importance of safety protocols in this region.
As the investigation continues, authorities are examining flight data, weather conditions, and mechanical systems to determine the cause of the emergency landing. The comprehensive response involving multiple agencies demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated emergency operations in the Pacific Northwest.
CNN’s Dalia Faheid contributed to this report, providing additional coverage of the developing story.
