Emergency Landing and Multi-Agency Rescue
A Kenmore Air DeHavilland DHC-3 seaplane carrying 11 people crashed off the coast of Sucia Island, Washington, on Thursday, July 23, 2026. The aircraft, which departed from Lake Union in Seattle at approximately 4:30 p.m., was en route to Roche Harbor when it made an emergency landing in North Beach Shallow Bay about 45 minutes into the flight.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and local authorities, the plane caught fire following the landing and began to sink. A large-scale emergency response was immediately triggered, involving the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Navy, the Canadian Coast Guard, and local agencies. San Juan County Sheriff Eric Peter confirmed that all 11 individuals—10 passengers and one pilot—were rescued from the water.
Casualties and Medical Response
The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office reported that multiple passengers sustained injuries ranging from head trauma to broken bones and lacerations. Four individuals were transported to hospitals for further treatment: two were taken to a medical facility in Bellingham, and two were airlifted to hospitals in Seattle. One of the passengers remains in critical condition.
The remaining seven passengers were transported to a U.S. Coast Guard base for evaluation and support. Sheriff Peter credited the quick actions of civilian boaters who were in the area and witnessed the crash for assisting in the rescue before official emergency teams arrived on the scene.
Ongoing Investigation
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a formal investigation to determine the cause of the emergency landing and subsequent crash. Kenmore Air CEO David Gudgel stated that the company is fully cooperating with investigators. “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,” Gudgel said in a public statement.
While the exact mechanical or external factor that forced the emergency landing remains unknown, investigators are expected to examine the wreckage once it is recovered. The incident remains a focal point for aviation safety authorities as they begin the process of analyzing flight data and maintenance records for the DHC-3 aircraft involved.