Why it's trending
The crash of a commercial seaplane with 11 people aboard in a popular tourist area sparked immediate news interest and rescue operations, leading to trending searches for 'Kenmore Air'.
A Kenmore Air seaplane crashed Thursday evening near Sucia Island in the San Juan Islands, with all 11 people aboard rescued, according to multiple sources. The de Havilland DHC-3 Otter, operating as Flight 140, departed Seattle's Lake Union at 4:30 p.m. and crashed in Shallow Bay around 5:15 p.m. while en route to Roche Harbor on San Juan Island.
Kenmore Air confirmed 10 passengers and one pilot were on board. Orcas Island Fire & Rescue reported that everyone was rescued and receiving medical care. Two injured passengers were taken to a Bellingham hospital, two to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, and seven to a Coast Guard base for evaluation, per Kenmore Air.
The U.S. Coast Guard and local emergency responders assisted in the rescue. Kenmore Air CEO David Gudgel stated, 'We are grateful that everyone aboard has been accounted for,' and thanked responders. The airline said it is cooperating with investigators and will not speculate on the cause.
The incident highlights risks in seaplane operations in the region. Kenmore Air, a major floatplane operator in the Pacific Northwest, has a strong safety record. The investigation will focus on the de Havilland DHC-3 Otter, a common bush plane. No further details on the cause are available.
Timeline
- Flight 140 Departs Lake Union
Kenmore Air Flight 140, a de Havilland DHC-3 Otter, departs Seattle's Lake Union for Roche Harbor with 10 passengers and one pilot.
- Crash Near Sucia Island
The aircraft crashes in Shallow Bay near Sucia Island in the San Juan Islands.
- Rescue and Medical Transport
All 11 aboard are rescued by Orcas Island Fire & Rescue and the U.S. Coast Guard. Four passengers are hospitalized; seven are taken to a Coast Guard base for evaluation.
Questions people ask
How many people were on the Kenmore Air plane?
There were 10 passengers and one pilot, totaling 11 people, according to Kenmore Air.
Was anyone killed in the Kenmore Air crash?
No fatalities were reported. All 11 aboard were rescued and accounted for, per Kenmore Air and Orcas Island Fire & Rescue.
What caused the Kenmore Air plane crash?
The cause is under investigation. Kenmore Air stated it will not speculate and is cooperating with investigators.
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