Float plane crashes near San Juan Islands; 11 survive fiery impact south of Metro Vancouver
A Kenmore Air seaplane caught fire Thursday in Washington State near the Canadian border. All passengers and crew were accounted for and evacuated to regional hospitals.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
Ten passengers and a pilot survived a fiery float plane crash Thursday in Shallow Bay near the Sucia Islands in Washington State, just south of Metro Vancouver.
The plane, operated by Kenmore Air, was travelling from Seattle when it caught fire shortly before 5:30 p.m. near the northern San Juan Islands, a popular U.S. tourist destination between Washington and B.C. Photos on social media show the aircraft engulfed in flames.
U.S. Coast Guard and local emergency responders transported six passengers to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham, four passengers to PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center in Friday Harbor, and the pilot to Skagit Valley Hospital for evaluation and treatment.
Kenmore Air confirmed that everyone on board has been accounted for. A company spokesperson said it is unknown at this time if any passengers are Canadian. "Our highest priority is the care and support of our passengers, our pilot, and their families," the company said. "Out of respect for those involved, we will not speculate regarding the cause of the accident."
The airline cancelled all scheduled flights for July 25. Affected passengers are being contacted directly regarding rebooking or refund options.
