All 11 Survive Fiery Kenmore Air Seaplane Crash Near Sucia Island

Eleven people survived after a Kenmore Air de Havilland DHC-3 Otter seaplane crashed and caught fire near Sucia Island in Washington's San Juan Islands. The aircraft, carrying 10 passengers and one pilot, struck the water in Shallow Bay at approximately 5:15 p.m. local time before becoming engulfed in flames, according to the U.S. Coast Guard and the San Juan County Sheriff's Office.

Rescue operations involving the Coast Guard, local responders and nearby boaters accounted for all 11 occupants. Most suffered head injuries, lacerations and broken bones; one person was transported to a hospital in critical condition. Kenmore Air confirmed the accident in a statement, saying all aboard had been accounted for, and canceled all remaining Friday flights.

Investigation Underway

The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the cause of the crash. Investigators are reviewing weather records, radar data and aircraft maintenance logs to determine contributing factors. Aviation analysts noted that the survival of all occupants despite a post-impact fire points to a combination of prompt egress and effective airmanship during the emergency water landing.