Overview
- A Kenmore Air de Havilland DHC-3 Otter made an emergency landing in Shallow Bay off Sucia Island and caught fire after departing Seattle, and all 11 people on board were removed from the wreck and accounted for.
- Civilians in nearby boats pulled survivors from the burning plane before multi‑agency teams from the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, Canadian responders and local fire and EMS units completed the rescue.
- Several people suffered injuries that emergency crews described as ranging from head trauma to broken bones and lacerations, and at least one patient is in critical condition with multiple occupants transported to regional hospitals.
- Kenmore Air activated its emergency response plan, canceled scheduled flights for the following day, and said it is cooperating with investigators and supporting passengers, crew and families.
- Federal investigators from the NTSB and FAA have opened formal inquiries into the July 23 incident and will examine the wreckage, maintenance records and flight information against a background of prior safety directives for DHC‑3 Otter seaplanes.