Kenmore Air Seaplane Carrying 11 Makes Emergency Landing Off Washington Coast

SUMMARY 

• All 11 people aboard the Kenmore Air seaplane were rescued after an emergency landing near Sucia Island.

• Four people were hospitalized with serious injuries, including one passenger in critical condition.

• Authorities have not determined what caused the emergency landing, and an investigation is underway.

A Kenmore Air seaplane carrying a pilot and 10 passengers made an emergency landing Thursday afternoon near Sucia Island in Washington’s San Juan Islands, triggering a multi agency rescue operation involving US and Canadian authorities.

According to the US Coast Guard, all 11 people aboard the aircraft were safely accounted for after the floatplane landed in the water and caught fire. Rescue teams responded after receiving emergency reports at approximately 5:25 PM.

Kenmore Air said the aircraft departed Seattle’s Lake Union at 4:30 PM and was en route to Roche Harbor when the incident occurred about 45 minutes into the flight.

Four passengers were transported to hospitals with serious injuries, according to CNN affiliate KING, citing a Kenmore Air spokesperson. 

San Juan County Sheriff Eric Peter said one of those passengers remained in critical condition. Reported injuries included head trauma, broken bones and lacerations.

Emergency dispatch communications indicated multiple rescue vessels, a US Coast Guard helicopter and a Canadian Coast Guard hovercraft were deployed to assist those aboard the aircraft.

Kenmore Air said six passengers were taken to a hospital in Bellingham, four passengers were transported to a hospital in Harbor, and the pilot was taken to a hospital in Mount Vernon.

Company CEO David Gudgel said the airline’s immediate priority is supporting passengers, the pilot, their families and employees while cooperating fully with investigators.

Founded in 1946, Kenmore Air is the largest seaplane airline in the United States. The airline transports more than 90,000 passengers each year through scheduled, charter and scenic flights.

Authorities have not confirmed what caused the emergency landing. Weather conditions in the area at the time included strong southerly wind gusts of about 20 mph and rain showers.

Kenmore Air announced it has canceled all scheduled flights for Friday as it focuses on supporting those affected by the incident and assisting emergency response and investigative efforts.

The US Coast Guard, the FAA and other responding agencies continue gathering information to determine what led to the emergency landing.

The incident highlights the importance of rapid emergency coordination in remote coastal areas. Multiple US and Canadian agencies worked together to ensure everyone aboard was rescued and received medical attention.

Investigators have not identified the cause of the emergency landing, and officials have not confirmed whether weather conditions played a role. 

The investigation remains in its early stages, with authorities expected to review all available evidence.

The incident involved a floatplane operating a scheduled route between Seattle and Roche Harbor. 

While Kenmore Air has suspended flights for Friday, the company said it is cooperating fully with investigators as authorities examine the circumstances surrounding the emergency landing.

TABLE 

“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,” Kenmore Air CEO David Gudgel said in a statement.

Gudgel added that the airline is fully cooperating with investigators and will continue releasing verified information as it becomes available.

Investigators will work to determine the cause of the emergency landing. Kenmore Air has suspended scheduled flights for Friday while it focuses on assisting passengers, employees and their families and supporting the ongoing investigation.

SOURCE:

(CNN report and statements from Kenmore Air, the US Coast Guard, and local authorities).