11 people rescued after seaplane crashes off Washington coast
Emergency Landing: 11 People Rescued After Seaplane Crash Off Washington Coast
Goldlaner.com – Multiple emergency responders have been deployed following a dramatic incident where 11 people rescued after seaplane crash off the Washington coast. The Kenmore Air floatplane made an emergency landing Thursday afternoon near Sucia Island in the San Juan Islands, sparking a coordinated multi-agency search and rescue operation. According to the US Coast Guard, all 11 individuals aboard the aircraft—a pilot and 10 passengers—have been successfully accounted for after the plane caught fire during the emergency landing. CNN affiliate KING reported that four passengers were transported to local hospitals with serious injuries, while the remaining seven received medical evaluation at a US Coast Guard base.
Timeline of the Emergency Landing
The Kenmore Air spokesperson provided details to KING about the flight’s journey. The floatplane departed from Lake Union in Seattle at 4:30 p.m., bound for Roche Harbor, approximately 100 miles to the northwest. The aircraft went down roughly 45 minutes after takeoff, and the US Coast Guard received initial reports of the incident around 5:25 p.m. Emergency dispatch audio captured authorities coordinating their response, including the deployment of one US Coast Guard helicopter and a Canadian Coast Guard hovercraft to the scene.
Communication from the dispatch revealed the scale of the operation. “We have multiple vessels in the water,” one official stated over the audio. Later in the recording, another official confirmed that two boats were carrying people who had been on board the plane. The coordinated effort involved the US Navy, Canadian Coast Guard, and various local agencies working together to ensure all passengers were safely retrieved from the water.
Medical Response and Passenger Transport
San Juan County Sheriff Eric Peter provided updates on the condition of the injured passengers. One of the four injured was transported in critical condition, while the others suffered from “head injuries to broken bones and lacerations,” according to Peter. The exact cause of the emergency landing remains unknown at this time. Emergency responders worked quickly to transport the victims to appropriate medical facilities. Two of the injured passengers were taken to a hospital in Bellingham, while two others were transported to a hospital in Seattle, the airline told CNN affiliate KOMO.
The remaining seven passengers were taken to a US Coast Guard base for further medical evaluation. This precautionary measure ensured that all passengers received comprehensive care, even those with less severe injuries. The multi-hospital transport strategy allowed medical professionals to provide specialized treatment based on each passenger’s specific injuries.
“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,” Kenmore Air CEO David Gudgel said in a statement. “Kenmore Air is fully cooperating with the investigating authorities, and we will continue providing verified information as it becomes available,” Gudgel added.
Weather Conditions and Ongoing Investigation
While investigators have not yet determined the cause of the crash, weather conditions at the time may have played a role. Windy conditions were reported around the time of the incident, with ground-level gusts coming from the south at 20 mph. Rain showers were also moving into the area, potentially affecting visibility and flight conditions. The combination of wind and rain could have contributed to the emergency landing, though this remains under investigation.
CNN has reached out to multiple organizations for additional information, including Kenmore Air, the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, the US Navy, the Canadian Coast Guard, and the Federal Aviation Administration. The comprehensive response from these agencies demonstrates the seriousness with which authorities are treating this incident. As the investigation continues, officials are working to determine whether weather conditions, mechanical issues, or other factors led to the seaplane’s emergency landing.
This story has been updated with additional information as it becomes available. CNN’s Dalia Faheid contributed to this report, providing comprehensive coverage of the incident where 11 people rescued after seaplane crash off the Washington coast. The successful rescue operation highlights the effectiveness of coordinated emergency response efforts in maritime incidents.
