11 people rescued after seaplane crashes off Washington coast
11 People Rescued After Seaplane Emergency Landing Off Washington Coast
Earthguardiansonline.com – A dramatic rescue operation unfolded Thursday when a Kenmore Air seaplane carrying 11 people made an emergency landing off the Washington coast. The incident prompted a coordinated multi-agency search and rescue effort that successfully located all passengers and the pilot following the aircraft’s emergency landing near Sucia Island in the San Juan Islands. According to the US Coast Guard, all 11 individuals aboard the floatplane have been accounted for, though four sustained serious injuries during the incident. The seaplane caught fire after making its emergency landing, but rescue crews quickly responded to ensure everyone’s safety.
Victims Transported to Multiple Hospitals
Emergency medical services transported the injured passengers to various hospitals in the region. San Juan County Sheriff Eric Peter told CNN affiliate KING that one passenger was flown to a hospital in critical condition. The injuries sustained by those aboard the seaplane ranged from “head injuries to broken bones and lacerations,” according to Sheriff Peter. The exact cause of the emergency landing remains under investigation, with authorities examining multiple factors that may have contributed to the incident.
The Kenmore Air floatplane departed 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, according to a company spokesperson. The US Coast Guard received initial reports of the incident around 5:25 p.m. and immediately mobilized search and rescue assets, working alongside the US Navy, Canadian Coast Guard, and local emergency agencies.
“We have multiple vessels in the water,” a person says over the emergency dispatch audio. Later in the recording, another voice confirms there were two boats carrying people who were on board the plane.
Emergency dispatch audio captured the extensive coordination efforts underway. 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. Seven additional passengers were brought to a US Coast Guard base for further medical evaluation and assessment.
Company Response and Weather Conditions
Kenmore Air leadership expressed gratitude that all aboard were found safe. “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, according to KING. Gudgel added that the company is fully cooperating with investigating authorities and will continue providing verified information as it becomes available.
While investigators work to determine what caused the emergency landing, weather conditions around the time of the incident were challenging. Windy conditions prevailed with ground-level gusts coming out of the south at 20 mph, and rain showers were moving into the area. CNN has reached out to Kenmore Air, the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, the US Navy, the Canadian Coast Guard, and the FAA for additional details. This story has been updated with additional information. CNN’s Dalia Faheid contributed to this report.
