All 11 people aboard a Kenmore Air seaplane survived after the aircraft crashed in the San Juan Islands on Thursday evening, prompting a large-scale rescue involving the U.S. Coast Guard and multiple local agencies.
Kenmore Air said its de Havilland DHC-3 Otter, Flight 140, departed Seattle’s Lake Union at about 4:30 p.m. Thursday and was headed to Roche Harbor on San Juan Island. The aircraft crashed near Shallow Bay on Sucia Island at about 5:15 p.m.
Orcas Island Fire & Rescue later confirmed that everyone aboard had been rescued and was receiving medical care or transportation from the scene. Kenmore Air said all 10 passengers and the pilot were accounted for.
Two injured passengers were transported to a hospital in Bellingham, while two others were taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, according to Kenmore Air. Seven additional passengers were taken to a U.S. Coast Guard base for further medical evaluation.
San Juan County Sheriff Eric Peter said one of the four hospitalized passengers was in critical condition.
Bystander video circulating on social media appeared to show the aircraft flying low and unsteadily near boats before striking the shoreline and catching fire.
Emergency crews from across the San Juan Islands responded to the scene, including Orcas Island Fire & Rescue, San Juan Island Fire & Rescue, Lopez Island Fire & Rescue, San Juan County Parks, the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Coast Guard.
Kenmore Air said it activated its emergency response procedures and is working closely with investigators. The airline said it will not speculate on what caused the crash.
“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.
“We extend our sincere thanks to the United States Coast Guard, local emergency responders, and everyone assisting in the response.”
The airline also announced it canceled all scheduled flights Friday as it focuses on supporting the passengers, pilot, families, employees and emergency responders.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
