A seaplane crash near Sucia Island in Washington State’s San Juan County triggered an emergency response on the afternoon of Thursday, July 23, 2026. The DeHavilland DHC-3 aircraft, carrying 11 people — 10 passengers and one pilot — made an emergency water landing before striking rocks along the island’s shoreline and catching fire.
All Survivors, Four Hospitalized
All 11 individuals aboard survived the incident. However, four passengers sustained injuries requiring hospitalization. One of them remains in critical condition.
Community and Official Response
Local boaters responded immediately, rushing to assist those onboard before official responders arrived. U.S. Coast Guard units, along with local and federal emergency teams, deployed rapidly to the scene for search, rescue, and area safety operations.
Environmental and Safety Investigations Underway
Authorities are assessing whether the crash and subsequent fire caused environmental damage to the marine environment around Sucia Island. The exact cause of the emergency landing — and what led to the aircraft striking rocks and igniting — remains unknown.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), has launched a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.