A sea plane crash-landed off the coast of a remote island near the US-Canada border, with all 11 people aboard accounted for. The Kenmore Air aircraft came down approximately 87 nautical miles from Seattle on Thursday (July 24) near Sucia Island in Washington state's San Juan Islands just before 5.30pm local time. Thick plumes of smoke were seen billowing from the area.
Severe thunderstorms suspected
Severe thunderstorms are believed to have been battering the area at the time of the incident. Flight tracking data confirmed that the US Coast Guard and air medical transport provider Airlift North West were spotted circling above Shallow Bay.
A Kenmore Air spokesperson confirmed the aircraft had departed Lake Union at around 4.30pm, bound for Roche Harbour on San Juan Island. All 11 people on board — 10 passengers and a pilot — are accounted for. Four individuals were transported to hospital with serious injuries, though the spokesperson could not provide details on the condition of the remaining seven.
Injuries range from head injuries to broken bones
The San Juan County Sheriff's Office stated that one person is in critical condition, with victims' injuries ranging from "head injuries to broken bones and lacerations," according to ABC News. A US Coastguard representative confirmed: "The aircraft had a reported 11 people aboard, and all are accounted for. United States Coast Guard, Canadian and local responders launched multiple assets to assist with the rescue. Several patients are being transported to local hospitals for medical evaluation and treatment."
Local broadcaster Komo News reports that the US Coast Guard is leading rescue operations. Numerous emergency services have mobilized, including Orcas Island Fire & Rescue, San Juan Island Fire & Rescue, Lopez Island Fire & Rescue, San Juan County Parks and the San Juan County Sheriff's Office. Recovery operations continue, with no official word yet on the aircraft type or the circumstances behind the incident. FlightRadar information suggests the plane could have been a Kenmore Air DHC-3 Otter floatplane, bearing registration N709KA.
