Authorities continue to grapple with the fallout from a seaplane crash off the coast of Rottnest Island, Western Australia, which occurred around 4 PM on Tuesday. The privately-owned aircraft, operated by Swan River Seaplanes, was carrying one pilot and six passengers when it tragically plunged just after takeoff, leaving officials racing to respond to this developing emergency.
According to Western Australia Police Commissioner Col Blanch, witnesses described the seaplane dipping sharply to the left shortly after leaving Thomson Bay, colliding with Phillip Rock before crashing nose-first. "Water police and several civilian vessels provided immediate aid to attempt to assist in a rescue. I do want to assure the community we have significant resources on scene and we are doing everything we can," Blanch reported during this continuous rescue operation.
Four people have been recovered from the water, but the situation remains dire. Reports indicate three have been airlifted to various hospitals, suffering serious injuries, with another individual rescued unharmed. Sadly, three others remain missing, prompting extensive search efforts as emergency crew members scour the area.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has been notified of the collision with water and is preparing to launch an investigation. The seaplane, registered under VH-WTY, had only recently been acquired from Whitsunday Air Services and had been performing flights over the picturesque Swan River and busy tourism routes to Rottnest Island, known for its stunning beaches and wildlife.
Notably, social media posts reveal the Cessna 208 Caravan had just been introduced to Swan River Seaplanes’ fleet on New Year’s Day, making this accident all the more shocking. Premier Roger Cook expressed his concern for the incident, stating, "The images we are seeing of an emergency... are deeply concerning. My thoughts are with all those affected, and I want to thank our first responders who are attending to the crash site."
Eyewitness accounts recount the chaotic scenes as onlookers watched the seaplane struggle before its fatal plunge. "We saw the plane go down, just as it was about to collide with the water," Hayden Harvey shared, emphasizing the shocking nature of the crash, which transpired approximately 300 meters off the coast. Others on the scene reported seeing the plane's wreckage and multiple police vessels surrounding the site.
Utilizing significant resources, both police helicopters and boats continued their search efforts as the sun began to set over the island, with flashing lights illuminating the once-calm waters of Thomson Bay as various boats scoured for any sign of life. According to reports, the pilot and several passengers were believed to be tourists from outside Western Australia.
Witness Greg Quin appeared on ABC Radio, stating, "We were watching the seaplane take off, and just as it was beginning to get off the water, it just tipped over and it crashed. A lot of people rushed to the scene on their boats. They got there really, really quickly, which was just amazing."
This incident not only highlights the potential hazards of seaplane operations but also showcases the community's immediate reaction to assist. Blanch noted, "There have been many members of the public who did not hesitate to assist, and I do thank them for their efforts."
Rottnest Island, also known as Wadjemup, is located about 20 kilometers off the coast of Perth. Known for its world-famous marsupial, the quokka, the island typically attracts numerous visitors during summer, lending to the shock of such a tragic accident occurring at such a popular tourist destination.
Search efforts remain active, and the community is awaiting updates on the well-being of those involved as rescue teams continue their work under difficult conditions. The emotional toll of this event has left many locals and visitors grappling with the scene they witnessed, as authorities assure them they will provide more information as it becomes available.