Seaplane Crash in Puget Sound: All 11 Aboard Survive

A seaplane carrying 11 passengers and crew crashed into the Puget Sound, north of Seattle. The incident occurred Thursday evening, leaving all 11 individuals alive, according to authorities.

Kenmore Air confirmed the accident involved one of its de Havilland DHC-3 Otter planes. Ten passengers and a pilot were en route from Seattle to Roche Harbor in the San Juan Islands when the crash happened around 5:15 p.m. local time. The crash took place in Shallow Bay, near Sucia Island, and all aboard have been accounted for.

The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office reported that everyone was rescued from the water. Several passengers sustained injuries, including head injuries and broken bones. One person is in critical condition, with no fatalities reported at this time.

First responders at the scene included the Coast Guard and local emergency personnel. Three airlift ambulances were deployed to assist in the rescue operation. Witness video from Monica Scott captured the plane flying low before crashing and catching fire. Additional footage from the Coast Guard showed the burning aircraft.

Out of respect for those involved, we will not speculate regarding the cause of the accident, Kenmore Air stated.

The company’s CEO, David Gudgel, emphasized their cooperation with investigating authorities and promised to share verified information as it becomes available. Kenmore Air, known as the largest seaplane airline in the United States, operates flights throughout the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia, as well as the Kenmore Air Express, a wheeled aircraft operation.

Shallow Bay is situated at the northwestern edge of Sucia Island State Park, within the San Juan Islands in Washington, near the Canadian border.