Multiple injured, 1 critically, after seaplane with 11 aboard crashes off coast of Washington state
Multiple people were injured, including one critically, after a seaplane with 11 people aboard crashed off the coast of Washington state, according to the Federal Aviation Administration and local authorities.
The FAA said the DeHavilland DHC-3 seaplane crashed near Sucia Island around 5:20 p.m. local time.
The San Juan County Sheriff's Office said everyone aboard the plane was rescued from the water.
"There are multiple patients with injuries ranging from head injuries to broken bones and lacerations," the sheriff's office said. One person was in critical condition, it said.
The flight departed from Lake Union in Seattle with 10 passengers and one pilot on board, Kenmore Air said in a statement.
Three passengers and the pilot were transported to area hospitals, according to Kenmore Air. The three passengers remain hospitalized, while the pilot has since been released, the company said Friday.
The other passengers were taken to the Bellingham Coast Guard Station, according to Kenmore Air.
At least one civilian boat witnessed the crash and began helping rescue people out of the water, San Juan County Sheriff Eric Peter told ABC News.
When the sheriff's office arrived at the scene, the plane was on fire and sinking.
"Swift actions from everyone prevented this from being worse," Peter told ABC News.
The crash triggered a large emergency response, including from the U.S. Navy, which airlifted some people from the site, and the Coast Guard, which said it received a report of the Kenmore Air seaplane making an emergency landing in North Beach Shallow Bay and then catching fire.
The pilot had adjusted the flight path in response to a weather system in the area at the time of the crash, Kenmore Air said in a statement Friday, adding, "Any determination about contributing factors will come from the NTSB investigation."
The aircraft was up to date on required maintenance inspections, according to Kenmore Air.
In a statement, Kenmore Air CEO David Gudgel said: "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. We extend our sincere thanks to the United States Coast Guard, local emergency responders, and everyone assisting in the response. Kenmore Air is fully cooperating with the investigating authorities, and we will continue providing verified information as it becomes available."
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the cause of the crash.
