Aviation News –All 11 people aboard a Kenmore Air seaplane escaped safely on Thursday afternoon after the aircraft executed an emergency landing in Shallow Bay near Sucia Island and subsequently caught fire. The swift rescue operation coordinated by the U.S. Coast Guard ensured every passenger and crew member was brought to safety without loss of life.
The incident involved a de Havilland DHC-3 Otter seaplane operated by Kenmore Air, recognized as the largest seaplane airline in the United States. The flight took off from Lake Union in Seattle before encountering complications en route through the scenic waters of Washington state.
At approximately 5:15 p.m. PDT, the pilot brought the aircraft down in the waters off Sucia Island in the San Juan archipelago. Shortly after touching down in Shallow Bay, the aircraft caught fire, prompting an immediate multi-agency emergency response that successfully evacuated all passengers and crew.
The de Havilland DHC-3 Otter is a single-engine, high-wing amphibious aircraft widely used for regional transport across coastal areas and inland waterways. Operating seaplanes requires specialized handling during forced water landings, where proximity to shoreline and rapid evacuation protocols are critical to survival before fire or immersion causes severe damage.
”Every individual on board has been accounted for following a swift coordinated rescue operation,” stated a representative for Kenmore Air. “Our immediate priority remains the safety and well-being of our passengers and crew, and we are fully cooperating with authorities to determine the cause of the incident.”
Federal authorities, including the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), will investigate the root cause of the in-flight emergency and subsequent fire. Passengers planning travel across regional coastal waterways are encouraged to review flight safety procedures and stay updated through official carrier advisories as investigators clear the wreckage site.
The successful recovery of all eleven individuals highlights the crucial role of quick pilot decision-making and efficient maritime rescue operations. Investigations will now focus on identifying the mechanical or operational issues that triggered the fire following the landing. Meanwhile, regional carriers will continue applying strict safety checks to maintain confidence in Pacific Northwest aviation.