SEATTLE — The U.S. Coast Guard, along with the U.S. Navy, Canadian and local partner agencies, responded to a seaplane emergency landing in Shallow Bay on Sucia Island, Thursday.
Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound received the initial report at 5:25 p.m., and immediately launched search and rescue assets. An Urgent Marine Information Broadcast was issued to mariners in the area, and numerous good Samaritan vessels responded to assist.
The aircraft was carrying 10 passengers and one pilot. All 11 people have been accounted for.
Several injured passengers were transported to hospitals in Friday Harbor, Skagit County and Bellingham for medical treatment.
The aircraft caught fire following the emergency landing and is currently against the rocks on Sucia Island. Coast Guard environmental response personnel have been notified and are coordinating with partner agencies to assess potential environmental impacts.
The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration have been notified and the cause of the emergency landing and fire are under investigation.
Families of those affected are urged to contact the dedicated support line established by Kenmore Air at (866) 435-9524.
Responding Agencies:
Media inquiries should be directed to the Northwest District Public Affairs office at uscgnorthwest@uscg.mil. Members of the media are asked not to contact the Sector Puget Sound Command Center directly to ensure watchstanders remain focused on the ongoing response.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.