SUCIA ISLAND, Wash. (KOMO) — Emergency crews responded Thursday after a Kenmore Air seaplane crashed into the water near Sucia Island in San Juan County.
The de Havilland DHC-3 Otter, Flight 140, left Lake Union in Seattle at approximately 4:30 p.m. and encountered trouble around 5:15 p.m. in Shallow Bay, according to Kenmore Air. There were 10 passengers and one pilot on board at the time of the incident.
Authorities confirmed that all individuals were rescued and are receiving medical care. Two injured passengers have been transported to a hospital in Bellingham, while two others were taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. Seven additional passengers were evaluated at a U.S. Coast Guard base.
One of the injured passengers is reported to be in critical condition, according to San Juan County Sheriff Eric Peter.
Responses involved multiple agencies, including:
- Orcas Island Fire & Rescue
- San Juan Island Fire & Rescue
- Lopez Island Fire & Rescue
- San Juan County Parks
- U.S. Coast Guard
- San Juan County Sheriff's Office
Sheriff Peter noted the urgency of the rescue efforts, stating, “Preservation of life is our number one goal.”
Kenmore Air activated its emergency response protocols and is cooperating with the U.S. Coast Guard and local responders in the ongoing investigation. The cause of the crash remains undetermined.
All scheduled flights for Kenmore Air were canceled on Friday as the airline prioritizes support for the affected individuals and their families.