According to the FAA, a DeHavilland DHC-3 type aircraft crashed near Susija Island on Thursday, around 5:20 PM local time.
The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office reported that all persons on board the aircraft were rescued from the water.
Some of the injured sustained various injuries – from head trauma to bone fractures.
In its statement, Kenmore Air airlines stated that the aircraft departed from Lake Union in Seattle with 10 passengers and one pilot. The company reported that four injured passengers were transported to hospitals, while other passengers were taken to the Bellingham Coast Guard station.
San Juan County Sheriff Eric Peter told ABC News that at least one civilian vessel witnessed the crash, and its crew began rescuing people from the water.
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When sheriff’s deputies arrived at the scene, the aircraft was on fire and then sank.
“Everyone reacted quickly, so the situation did not get any worse,” he told ABC News.
The plane crash prompted a large-scale rescue operation involving both the US Navy, which airlifted several people from the scene by helicopter, and the Coast Guard, which reported receiving a notification that a Kenmore Air seaplane had made an emergency landing and subsequently caught fire.
In his statement, Kenmore Air CEO David Gudgel said: “We are grateful that everyone on board the aircraft has been accounted for, and our primary focus now is on ensuring our passengers and pilot receive the necessary care and support. We extend our sincere thanks to the United States Coast Guard, local rescue services, and everyone who assisted in the rescue operation. Kenmore Air is fully cooperating with the investigating authorities and will continue to provide verified information as it becomes available.”
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The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the cause of the accident.
