A Kenmore Air floatplane carrying 11 people was forced to make an emergency landing near Sucia Island in Washington state on July 23, subsequently catching fire. The U.S. Coast Guard Sector of Puget Sound reported receiving notice of the incident at approximately 5:25 p.m. local time, after the aircraft, a de Havilland DHC-3 Otter, went down in Shallow Bay at 5:15 p.m.
According to the airline, the flight had departed from Seattle's Lake Union and was en route to Roche Harbor on San Juan Island when the emergency occurred. Kenmore Air confirmed there were 10 passengers and one pilot on board, and stated that all individuals have been accounted for. Following the emergency landing, the aircraft came to rest against the rocks on Sucia Island.
A significant rescue operation was launched, involving U.S., Canadian, and local responders. Agencies participating in the emergency response included the U.S. Coast Guard, San Juan Island Fire and Rescue, Orcas Island Fire and Rescue, Lopez Island Fire and Rescue, San Juan County Parks, and the San Juan County Sheriff's Office. Several individuals were transported to local hospitals for medical evaluation and treatment. The San Juan County Sheriff's Office noted that injuries among the passengers and crew ranged from head injuries to broken bones and lacerations, with at least one individual reported to be in critical condition. Specifically, two injured passengers were transported to medical facilities in Bellingham, while two others were taken to Orcas Island for treatment.
Kenmore Air CEO David Gudgel expressed gratitude that all individuals aboard were accounted for, stating that the company’s priority is ensuring the passengers and pilot receive necessary care. Gudgel confirmed that the airline is fully cooperating with investigators. The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration have both initiated investigations into the accident, the cause of which remains unknown.
The Coast Guard's environmental response personnel are currently working with partner agencies to evaluate any potential environmental impacts resulting from the fire and the aircraft's presence on the shoreline. Kenmore Air, founded in 1946, operates as the largest seaplane airline in the United States, managing over 90,000 passengers annually across its scheduled, scenic, and charter flight services.
