Emergency Landing and Fire: Kenmore Air Floatplane Incident

Several individuals sustained injuries after a Kenmore Air floatplane made an emergency landing and caught fire off the coast of Washington. This triggered a large rescue operation. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the incident occurred around 5:25 p.m. local time when the seaplane landed in North Beach Shallow Bay near Sucia Island and then ignited.

There were 10 passengers and a pilot on board, all of whom have been accounted for. The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office reported injuries ranging from head trauma to broken bones and lacerations. Four passengers were transported to nearby hospitals, with one in critical condition. No fatalities have been reported.

Kenmore Air CEO David Gudgel expressed gratitude for the safe accounting of all aboard and emphasized the care and support for passengers and the pilot. The airline is closely collaborating with investigators and will release updates as they become available.

The floatplane involved was a de Havilland DHC-3 Otter, operating near Sucia Island. The flight, a routine route for Kenmore Air, departed Seattle’s Lake Union and was en route to Roche Harbor Marina on San Juan Island.

Various agencies responded to the emergency, including local fire and rescue teams, the U.S. Navy, and air ambulance helicopters, which transported injured passengers. The cause of the accident is under investigation.