A tragic seaplane crash near Rottnest Island, a popular tourist destination off the coast of Perth, Western Australia, has resulted in the deaths of three people.
The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon around 1600 local time in Thomson’s Bay, Rottnest Island. The Cessna C208 Caravan floatplane was carrying the pilot and 6 passengers when it crashed shortly after takeoff. The aircraft is believed to have struck a rock formation before plunging into the water.
C208 Fatal Crash: Rottnest Island
Video footage of the accident video shows the single engine floatplane banking to the left immediately after take-off. The left-hand wingtip then impacted the water causing the aircraft to pitch nose down.
Among the fatalities are two tourists – a 65 year old Swiss woman and a 60 year old Danish man – as well as the 34 year old pilot. Three other passengers sustained injuries. One passenger escaped uninjured.
Emergency responders, including police, ambulance, and volunteer marine rescue organizations, swiftly arrived at the scene. However, the impact of the crash was severe. Four people were recovered from the water after the seaplane crash, and three were transported to hospital.
The three dead were recovered from the aircraft wreckage on Wednesday, following the fatal crash the day before.
Swan River Seaplanes
The aircraft involved, a Cessna C208 Caravan 675, registered VH-WTY, was owned by charter operator Swan River Seaplanes. The 8-year old single turbine engine aircraft is registered to Whitsunday Air Services Ltd., and had reportedly just been ferried from the eastern states on New Year’s Day.
Swan River Seaplanes was originally founded in 2017 by Troy Thomas and two tourism industry colleagues.
Tragically, Mr Thomas lost his life in July 2020 in a Robin R44 helicopter crash near Broome in the state’s northwest.
The operator continues to conduct local Perth city scenic flights as well as ad hoc charter flights to nearby Rottnest Island. The island is a popular tourist spot, located approximately 19 kilometres off the coast near Perth.
The cause of the accident is currently under investigation by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.
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