All 10 passengers and a pilot are accounted for after a Kenmore Air seaplane crashed roughly 55 kilometres north-northeast of Victoria.
The incident occurred Thursday evening (July 23) around 5:15 p.m., in Shallow Bay near Sucia Island, Wash.
The flight had departed from Seattle and was bound for San Juan Island’s Roche Harbor.
Emergency responders, including the United States Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, plus Canadian and U.S. emergency personnel, responded immediately to the scene.
According to the United States Coast Guard, the aircraft caught fire after an emergency landing.
“The aircraft caught fire following the emergency landing and is currently against the rocks on Sucia Island,” said a Coast Guard news release.
“Coast Guard environmental response personnel have been notified and are coordinating with partner agencies to assess potential environmental impacts.”
Several injured passengers were transported to hospitals in Friday Harbor, Skagit County and Bellingham for medical treatment, said the Coast Guard.
Kenmore Air said its highest priority is the care and support of its passengers, pilot, and their families.
“Out of respect for those involved, we will not speculate regarding the cause of the accident,” said Kenmore Air.
“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,” said a statement from CEO David Gudgel.
“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, and we will continue providing verified information as it becomes available.”
The airline, which also operates flights to and from Victoria’s Inner Harbour, has cancelled all scheduled flights for Friday, July 24.