Multiple people were injured after a Kenmore Air floatplane made an emergency water landing in North Beach Shallow Bay near Sucia Island around 5:25 p.m. All 10 passengers and the pilot were accounted for, though several sustained serious injuries including head trauma and broken bones. Four passengers were taken to local hospitals and one was reported in critical condition. The aircraft, a de Havilland DHC-3 Otter on a routine Lake Union–Roche Harbor route, is under investigation.
Multiple Injured After Kenmore Air Floatplane Makes Emergency Water Landing, Catches Fire Near Sucia Island
A Kenmore Air floatplane heads for the dock at the Poulsbo Marina on Tuesday, March 7, 2023.
Multiple people were injured Thursday when a Kenmore Air floatplane made an emergency water landing in North Beach Shallow Bay, adjacent to Sucia Island, and soon afterward caught fire, authorities said.
The U.S. Coast Guard reported receiving a distress call at about 5:25 p.m. local time that a Kenmore Air seaplane had made the emergency landing before erupting into flames. All 10 passengers and the pilot were accounted for at the scene, officials said.
The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office reported a range of injuries, including head trauma, broken bones and lacerations. Kenmore Air said four passengers were transported to local hospitals for treatment and that one person was in critical condition. No fatalities were reported.
A Kenmore Air pilot pushes his seaplane off the dock after picking up passengers.
Aircraft and route: The airline identified the aircraft as a de Havilland DHC-3 Otter. The flight departed from Seattle's Lake Union and was bound for Roche Harbor Marina on San Juan Island — a routine route for the carrier.
Response: Multiple agencies responded to the emergency. The U.S. Coast Guard led the rescue, with assistance from the U.S. Navy, three air-ambulance helicopters and local fire and rescue teams from Orcas Island, Lopez Island and San Juan Island, as well as San Juan County Parks. Rescue crews deployed boats and emergency personnel to reach survivors and transport the injured to medical care.
Kenmore Air CEO David Gudgel said: "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. We extend our sincere thanks to the United States Coast Guard, local emergency responders, and everyone assisting in the response. Kenmore Air is fully cooperating with the investigating authorities."
The cause of the emergency landing and the subsequent fire remains under investigation. Authorities and the airline said they are working with investigators and will provide additional verified information as it becomes available.
Fox News Digital and local officials reported on the incident; the U.S. Coast Guard and Kenmore Air have been contacted for additional comment.
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