Several people were hurt Thursday after a Kenmore Air floatplane was forced to make an emergency landing off the Washington coast and then caught fire, triggering a large-scale rescue response, officials said.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, crews were alerted at about 5:25 p.m. local time that the Kenmore Air seaplane had gone down in North Beach Shallow Bay near Sucia Island before flames broke out.
Officials said the pilot and all 10 passengers on board were accounted for.
A Kenmore Air floatplane caught fire after making an emergency landing in North Beach Shallow Bay off Sucia Island, Washington, authorities said. Multiple people were injured. (U.S. Coast Guard)
The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office reported a range of injuries among those involved, including head trauma, broken bones and cuts.
Kenmore Air said four passengers were transported to area hospitals for treatment. Authorities said one person was listed in critical condition, and no deaths were immediately reported.
The airline said it is cooperating closely with investigators and plans to share further updates when additional information is available.
A Kenmore Air floatplane approaches the dock at the Poulsbo Marina on Tuesday, March 7, 2023. (USA TODAY Network via Reuters)
Kenmore Air CEO David Gudgel said the company’s immediate focus was on those aboard the aircraft.
“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,” Gudgel said.
“We extend our sincere thanks to the United States Coast Guard, local emergency responders, and everyone assisting in the response,” he continued. “Kenmore Air is fully cooperating with the investigating authorities, and we will continue providing verified information as it becomes available.”
The airline said the aircraft involved was a de Havilland DHC-3 Otter operating near Sucia Island.
According to the sheriff’s office, the flight departed Seattle’s Lake Union and was headed to Roche Harbor Marina on San Juan Island.
A Kenmore Air spokesperson told INC News the route between Lake Union and the San Juan Islands is a routine flight for the airline.
“If you live here, you would be potentially taking a seaplane up there,” the spokesperson said.
A Kenmore Air pilot pushes his seaplane off the dock after picking up passengers. (USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
The sheriff’s office said multiple agencies responded by deploying boats and emergency personnel to the scene.
The U.S. Navy also responded, while three air ambulance helicopters transported injured passengers.
Orcas Island Fire & Rescue, Lopez Island Fire & Rescue, San Juan Island Fire & Rescue and San Juan County Parks also responded.
The cause of the accident remains under investigation.
INC News has reached out to the U.S. Coast Guard for additional comment.
