Miracle Off the Coast: 11 Rescued After Seaplane Crashes into Washington Waters

SUCIA ISLAND, Washington — All eleven people aboard a Kenmore Air seaplane survived a harrowing ordeal on Thursday afternoon, July 23, 2026 after their aircraft made a forced emergency landing and caught fire in the waters of the San Juan Islands. The dramatic incident sparked a massive, multi-agency rescue operation that successfully pulled every passenger and pilot to safety.

The de Havilland DHC-3 Otter plane was operating a flight from Seattle’s Lake Union to Roche Harbor, located roughly 100 miles northwest. Approximately 45 minutes into the flight, the aircraft went down in Shallow Bay near Sucia Island, an area just south of the Canadian border.

The emergency unfolded rapidly at around 5:15 p.m. local time. According to the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, the seaplane began taking on water and caught fire immediately after hitting the surface.

Images and dispatch audio from the scene captured the gravity of the situation, showing the aircraft heavily engulfed in flames as it began to sink.

"Swift actions from everyone prevented this from being worse," said San Juan County Sheriff Eric Peter. He noted that at least one civilian boat was in the immediate vicinity, witnessing the crash and immediately rushing toward the burning wreckage to pull survivors out of the freezing water.

Following initial distress calls, a sweeping rescue effort was launched. The response included U.S. Coast Guard and Navy rescue boats and a helicopter to airlift survivors, alongside a Canadian Coast Guard hovercraft deployed to assist. Local regional sheriff departments and volunteer vessels also rushed to the scene, forming a perimeter to ensure all ten passengers and the lone pilot were accounted for.

While a major loss of life was averted, multiple occupants sustained injuries during the impact and subsequent escape. Authorities reported that injuries ranged from lacerations and broken bones to severe head trauma.

Four passengers were transported to regional hospitals with serious injuries, with at least one individual reported to be in critical condition. The remaining seven occupants were taken to a local Coast Guard station and nearby medical clinics for trauma evaluation and treatment.

Kenmore Air, recognized as the largest seaplane operator in the United States, released a statement confirming their full cooperation with federal authorities.

"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 Kenmore Air CEO David Gudgel. The exact cause of the mechanical failure or conditions that prompted the emergency landing remains unknown. Both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a joint investigation into the accident.