Dramatic Rescue: 11 Survive After US Seaplane Crash-Lands, Catches Fire Off Washington Coast

A de Havilland DHC-3 Otter seaplane operated by Kenmore Air experienced a harrowing emergency landing off the coast of Sucia Island in Washington's San Juan Islands on July 23. The aircraft, carrying 11 people, reportedly clipped a rock shore after a low pass over boats before making its forced landing.

Dramatic footage circulating online shows the plane colliding with the shore, with passengers evacuating as black smoke billowed from the aircraft. The plane subsequently caught fire, and a portion of its fuselage submerged in the sea.

Dave Eastman, who was navigating a small boat nearby, reported that the plane passed extremely close to him. Several vessels in the vicinity immediately responded to the distress, and the U.S. Coast Guard dispatched a helicopter to transport the injured. San Juan County Sheriff's Office confirmed all 11 occupants were taken to the hospital. As of July 24, three passengers remained hospitalized in stable condition, while the pilot had been released.

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The plane passed extremely close to him, feeling like it almost hit.