A plane has made a crash landing off the coast of a remote island, with emergency services scrambling to the scene to attend to 11 people who were aboard at the time.
A major rescue operation is now underway near the US-Canada border after a Kenmore Air aircraft came down approximately 87 nautical miles from Seattle in the US on Thursday (July 24). The plane went down near Sucia Island in Washington state’s San Juan Islands just before 5.30pm local time, with thick plumes of smoke billowing from the area in the aftermath.
It is believed that severe thunderstorms were battering the area at the time of the incident.
Flight tracking data has confirmed that the US Coast Guard and air medical transport provider Airlift North West have been spotted circling above Shallow Bay.
View 2 ImagesPassengers seen disembarking from the craft before it exploded(Image: X)
A Kenmore Air spokesperson confirmed that the aircraft had departed Lake Union at around 4.30pm on Thursday, bound for Roche Harbour on San Juan Island, when it came down, reports the Express.
The spokesperson revealed that all 11 people on board – comprising 10 passengers and a pilot – are accounted for. Four individuals were transported to hospital with serious injuries, though the spokesperson was unable to provide details on the condition of the remaining seven.
The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office stated that one person is in a critical condition, with victims’ injuries ranging from “head injuries to broken bones and lacerations”, according to ABC News. A representative from the US Coastguard 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 spearheading rescue operations at the location. Numerous emergency services have mobilised, 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.
Nevertheless, FlightRadar information suggests the plane could have been a Kenmore Air DHC-3 Otter floatplane, bearing registration N709KA.
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