A seaplane crash near Rottnest Island has left three individuals with serious injuries. Three others remain missing, while one person was rescued uninjured. The incident has raised concerns around safety in the popular tourist area east of Perth.
A seaplane crash near Rottnest Island has left three individuals with serious injuries. Three others remain missing, while one person was rescued uninjured. The incident has raised concerns around safety in the popular tourist area east of Perth.
In a tragic incident, a seaplane crash off Rottnest Island has left three individuals seriously injured and three others missing. The private aircraft went down after colliding with a sizable rock near Thomson Bay at approximately 4 PM AWST, as stated by local police. There were seven occupants on board, including the pilot, and while one person escaped without injuries, the remaining passengers faced dire circumstances.
Emergency services were quick to respond, and those injured were promptly airlifted to hospitals in Perth, with two women in their forties among the critically hurt individuals. WA police commissioner Col Blanch reassured the public, stating, “We have significant resources on scene, and we are doing everything that we can.” As the search for the three missing individuals continues, rescuers have managed to bring parts of the wreckage to shore, but several components remain submerged in the ocean.
Two rescue aircraft, including a helicopter from the Royal Flying Doctor Service, transported patients to both Royal Perth Hospital and Fiona Stanley Hospital. The three patients who arrived at Fiona Stanley are reported to have serious injuries but are currently in stable condition. The rescue efforts on the ground and in the air have involved various agencies, showcasing a united response to a distressing event.
Eyewitness Greg Quin, who was staying on the tourist island, recounted the shocking event, describing how he saw the seaplane take off before it tipped over and crashed. He expressed disbelief at the swift response from those in nearby boats, who rushed to aid the victims. However, the wreckage quickly drifted away due to strong winds and currents, intensifying the concern among onlookers. Quin noted that the plane had barely reached three meters in altitude before its disastrous descent.
Aerial footage illustrates the severity of the crash, showing the plane submerged in the ocean with parts scattered nearby. Boats from various agencies, including police and civilian vessels, surrounded the crash site, while WA rescue and police helicopters hovered overhead. As the rescue operation unfolded, part of the plane's landing gear was seen being towed ashore, while the majority of the aircraft gradually sank beneath the waves.
Upon hearing the news, WA Premier Roger Cook expressed his concern through social media, labeling the images of the incident as “deeply concerning.” He extended his thoughts to those affected and commended the first responders on the scene, assuring the public that updates would follow as more information became available.
Flight tracking data revealed that the seaplane had been gaining speed at 117 kilometers per hour as it prepared for takeoff when the signal abruptly ceased. The aircraft, a Cessna 208, was relatively new, having been recently acquired by Swan River Seaplanes from an eastern Australian operator. Reports indicate that the plane had just completed its initial flight from Sydney to Perth before the crash.
David Marriner from Trans Tasmanian Air Services noted that the plane was essentially brand new and had performed minimal flights. He expressed relief that those on board were able to escape and emphasized the design's buoyancy, which is intended to provide a degree of safety in water landings. The aircraft’s historical use for commercial flights in and around Perth highlights the significance of this incident.
Swan River Seaplanes, founded in 2016, is co-owned by Kristy Lee Bailey and Dean Kingi. Bailey indicated that the company was cooperating with authorities but had no further information beyond what had been shared by police. The Australian Transportation Safety Bureau (ATSB) is in the process of gathering details regarding the incident and may launch an investigation, with representatives from the eastern states prepared to assist if necessary.
Rottnest Island, a beloved tourist destination located roughly 30 kilometers off Perth’s coast, is cherished for its breathtaking scenery and unique wildlife, including the famous quokkas. The recent seaplane crash has cast a shadow over the island, raising concerns among locals and visitors alike.
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