1 dead, 9 unaccounted for in seaplane crash off Whidbey Island

Published 5:15 pm Sunday, September 4, 2022

FREELAND — One person died after a seaplane crashed into the water west of Whidbey Island around 3 p.m. Sunday, authorities said.

There were 10 passengers on board including the pilot, said South Whidbey Fire spokesperson Jon Gabelein. Nine people were unaccounted for as of 7:30 p.m. Sunday.

The U.S. Coast Guard initially reported eight adults and one child were onboard.

No details about the deceased were released.

Coast Guard crews later brought debris to shore to “look over,” Gabelein said. Recovery efforts were expected to continue until 10 p.m. Sunday.

South Whidbey Fire, North Whidbey Fire, Kitsap County Fire, Everett Fire, Naval Air Station Whidbey and the U.S. Coast Guard responded.

The plane was traveling from Friday Harbor to Renton, according to the Coast Guard. It was initially reported that the plane was traveling to SeaTac International Airport.

Witnesses reported seeing a plane hit the water, Gabelein said. Others only saw the splash, but the “boom” it made on impact was heard for miles, he said.

This story has been updated.