SUCIA ISLAND, Wash. (KOMO) — A Kenmore Air seaplane crashed into the water near Sucia Island on Thursday at approximately 5:15 p.m., shortly after departing Seattle.
The de Havilland DHC-3 Otter was carrying 10 passengers and one pilot en route to Roche Harbor when the accident occurred. Authorities confirmed that all individuals on board were rescued and accounted for.
Two injured passengers were transported to a hospital in Bellingham, while two others were taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. Seven additional passengers were brought to a U.S. Coast Guard base for further evaluation. One individual was reported in critical condition, according to San Juan County Sheriff Eric Peter.
Emergency responders from multiple agencies, including Orcas Island Fire & Rescue and the U.S. Coast Guard, were dispatched to the scene.
Kenmore Air has activated its emergency response protocols and is working in coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard and local officials. “We are grateful that everyone aboard has been accounted for,” Kenmore Air CEO David Gudgel stated, emphasizing the focus on supporting affected individuals.
The cause of the incident is currently under investigation. Following the crash, Kenmore Air canceled all scheduled flights for Friday to concentrate its resources on response efforts.