11 people rescued after seaplane crashes off Washington coast
Emergency Landing Saves All Aboard Kenmore Air Seaplane Near Washington Islands
Incident Overview and Initial Response
Healfromzero.com – Authorities have successfully rescued all eleven individuals aboard a Kenmore Air floatplane following an emergency landing Thursday afternoon near the San Juan Islands. The aircraft, which departed from Seattle’s Lake Union, experienced difficulties approximately forty-five minutes into its journey toward Roche Harbor, ultimately coming to rest near Sucia Island where it briefly caught fire. According to the United States Coast Guard, every person on board—the pilot and ten passengers—has been located and is safe.
The incident triggered a coordinated multi-agency search and rescue operation involving several maritime and aviation organizations. The Coast Guard received preliminary reports of the emergency around 5:25 p.m. and quickly mobilized its assets. Working alongside federal and international partners, the response included the United States Navy, the Canadian Coast Guard, and various local emergency services. Emergency dispatch recordings captured the extensive coordination efforts, with one Coast Guard helicopter and a Canadian hovercraft among the first responders deployed to the scene.
Medical Treatment and Passenger Transport
Of the eleven individuals rescued, four sustained serious injuries requiring hospitalization. San Juan County Sheriff Eric Peter provided details about the severity of the injuries, noting that victims suffered from head trauma, broken bones, and lacerations. One passenger was transported in critical condition, according to KING television station reports.
The injured passengers were distributed across multiple medical facilities. Two individuals were taken to a hospital in Bellingham, while two others were transported to a Seattle-area medical center, as confirmed by the airline to CNN affiliate KOMO. The remaining seven passengers were brought to a US Coast Guard base for thorough medical evaluation before any further decisions regarding their care.
Flight Details and Timeline
A Kenmore Air representative provided KING with details about the flight’s progress before the incident. The floatplane departed Lake Union in Seattle at 4:30 p.m., bound for Roche Harbor, located approximately one hundred miles to the northwest. The aircraft went down roughly forty-five minutes after takeoff, though the specific cause of the emergency landing remains unclear at this time.
CNN has contacted multiple organizations involved in the response, including Kenmore Air, the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, the US Navy, the Canadian Coast Guard, and the Federal Aviation Administration. Dispatch audio revealed that several vessels were positioned in the water during the rescue operation. Later in the recording, an official confirmed that two boats were carrying individuals who had been aboard the downed aircraft.
Weather Conditions and Ongoing Investigation
While investigators have not yet determined what prompted the emergency landing, weather conditions at the time were notably challenging. Windy conditions prevailed with ground-level gusts blowing from the south at twenty miles per hour. Rain showers were also moving into the area, potentially affecting visibility and aircraft handling.
“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,” Kenmore Air CEO David Gudgel said in a statement.
“Kenmore Air is fully cooperating with the investigating authorities, and we will continue providing verified information as it becomes available,” Gudgel added.
The airline has committed to full cooperation with all investigating bodies and promised to release additional verified details as they become available. This report has been updated with further information as the situation continues to develop. CNN’s Dalia Faheid contributed to this coverage.