Watch seaplane crashing into water near Sucia Island, all 11 onboard rescued

A Kenmore Air seaplane crashed into the waters near Sucia Island in Washington state on Thursday evening, triggering a major rescue operation. Dramatic visuals circulating online captured the aircraft going down into the water, sending emergency responders rushing to the scene.

The de Havilland DHC-3 Otter, operating as Kenmore Air Flight 140, had departed Seattle's Lake Union around 4.30 pm and was headed to Roche Harbor on San Juan Island.

The aircraft crashed in Shallow Bay near Sucia Island at approximately 5.15 pm.

According to Kenmore Air, the aircraft was carrying 10 passengers and one pilot. Orcas Island Fire & Rescue later confirmed that all 11 people onboard were safely rescued and accounted for.

Four people sustained injuries in the crash. Two passengers were taken to a hospital in Bellingham, while two others were transported to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

The remaining seven passengers were taken to a US Coast Guard base for medical evaluation.

The US Coast Guard, along with local emergency responders, carried out the rescue operation. Kenmore Air activated its emergency response procedures and said it is cooperating fully with investigators.

The airline has not commented on the possible cause of the crash.

Kenmore Air CEO David Gudgel thanked the Coast Guard and rescue teams, saying the airline's immediate priority is ensuring the safety and care of passengers and the pilot while authorities investigate the incident.