WATCH: Kenmore Air seaplane carrying 11 people crashes at Washington’s Sucia Island as video goes viral

A Kenmore Air seaplane carrying 11 people caught fire after making an emergency landing near Sucia Island in Washington state, triggering a large-scale rescue operation, reported Reuters. Dramatic images and video from the scene showed the aircraft engulfed in flames while floating in the water, quickly drawing attention online. According to the US Coast Guard, everyone on board was safely accounted for following the emergency landing. Rescue teams from the Coast Guard, along with Canadian and local emergency responders, rushed to the area to assist passengers and crew.


Kenmore Air said the aircraft involved was a de Havilland DHC-3 Otter that had departed from Lake Union in Seattle. The accident occurred in Shallow Bay near Sucia Island at around 5:15 PM Pacific Time.


The airline confirmed that the flight was carrying 10 passengers and one pilot. According to the news agency, four passengers suffered injuries, with two taken to medical facilities in Bellingham and two others transported to Orcas Island for evaluation and treatment. The remaining occupants were reported safe.
Sucia Island is part of Washington's San Juan Islands, located north of Seattle near the Canadian border. The cause of the accident remains under investigation as authorities continue to gather information about the incident.

"Kenmore Air is fully cooperating with the investigating authorities, and we will continue providing verified information as it becomes available," CEO David Gudgel said in a statement as quoted by the outlet.