US Coast Guard rescues 11 after seaplane catches fire in Washington state

All 11 people aboard a Kenmore Air seaplane were accounted for after the aircraft made an emergency landing and subsequently caught fire near Sucia Island in Washington state. The US Coast Guard confirmed the rescue operation on Thursday.

The de Havilland DHC-3 Otter plane departed from Lake Union in Seattle and experienced an accident in Shallow Bay near Sucia Island around 5:15 p.m. An image released by the Coast Guard showed the seaplane engulfed in flames on the water.

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Several patients are being transported to local hospitals for medical evaluation and treatment.

Multiple assets from the Coast Guard, along with Canadian and local responders, were deployed to assist in the rescue. Four individuals on board suffered injuries and were transported to medical facilities in Bellingham and Orcas Island for evaluation and treatment.

Kenmore Air, the largest US seaplane airline, stated that its CEO David Gudgel is cooperating with investigating authorities and will provide further verified information as it becomes available. The airline, founded in 1946, transports over 90,000 passengers annually.

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Kenmore Air is fully cooperating with the investigating authorities, and we will continue providing verified information as it becomes available.