A Kenmore Air seaplane with 11 people aboard crashed off Sucia Island in Puget Sound north of Seattle on July 23 at about 5:15 p.m., and everyone on board was rescued, authorities said.
Multiple people were injured, including one in critical condition, the Federal Aviation Administration and the San Juan County Sheriff's Office said. The sheriff's office said injuries ranged from head injuries to broken bones and lacerations, and that three airlift ambulances were at the scene.
The FAA identified the aircraft as a de Havilland DHC-3 Otter. Kenmore Air said it was Flight 140, which departed Lake Union in Seattle at about 4:30 p.m. en route to Roche Harbor with 10 passengers and one pilot on board.
Video taken by onlooker Monica Scott showed the plane wobbling as it flew very low to the water, then crashing and bursting into flames. San Juan County Sheriff Eric Peter said at least one civilian boat witnessed the crash and began helping rescue people, and he added, "Swift actions from everyone prevented this from being worse."
When the sheriff's office arrived, the plane was on fire and sinking; the U.S. Navy airlifted some people, and the Coast Guard said it received a report the seaplane made an emergency landing in North Beach Shallow Bay and then caught fire.
Orcas Island Fire & Rescue confirmed everyone aboard had been rescued and was receiving medical care or being transported from the scene. Kenmore Air said two injured passengers were taken to a hospital in Bellingham, two others were transported to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, and seven additional passengers were taken to a U.S. Coast Guard base for further evaluation.
Kenmore Air CEO David Gudgel said, "We are grateful that everyone aboard has been accounted for, and our immediate focus is ensuring our passengers and pilot receive the care and support they need. We extend our sincere thanks to the United States Coast Guard, local emergency responders, and everyone assisting in the response. Kenmore Air is fully cooperating with the investigating authorities, and we will continue providing verified information as it becomes available." The airline canceled all scheduled flights Friday as it said it planned to focus on supporting the passengers, pilot, families, employees and emergency response efforts.
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the cause of the crash. Footage of the crash was published July 24, 2026.