KENMORE AIR PLANE CRASHES NEAR SUCIA ISLAND WITH MULTIPLE CASUALTIES

Emergency services responded to a plane crash near Sucia Island on 23 July, with conflicting reports of casualties at the scene. The Kenmore Air floatplane crashed on the shore of Sucia Island in the San Juan Islands, located near the border between Washington state and British Columbia. Kenmore Air confirmed the aircraft departed Lake Union at approximately 4.30pm, bound for Roche Harbour on San Juan Island. One report indicated as many as 11 casualties, whilst local press confirmed with Kenmore Air that the flight was carrying 10 people.

The crash occurred at approximately 5.22pm local time in an area experiencing thunderstorms. Radar data identified the downed aircraft as a Kenmore Air DHC-3 Otter floatplane. The US Coast Guard and air medical transport service Airlift North West responded to the scene, along with multiple local agencies including Orcas Island Fire & Rescue, San Juan Island Fire & Rescue, Lopez Island Fire & Rescue, San Juan County Parks and the San Juan County Sheriff's Office. A local fireboat also arrived at the crash site.

Rescue operations remained underway at the time of reporting. No official confirmation had been released regarding the condition of those involved or the cause of the crash. Both casualty figures were described as preliminary and subject to change as the incident progressed.