Officials said the incident occurred as the seaplane made an emergency landing on the shore of Sucia Island, a location near San Juan Island. The craft subsequently caught fire, complicating rescue efforts and raising concerns about potential injuries among those aboard.
San Juan Island EMS reported that bystanders on the scene played a crucial role in aiding victims until emergency personnel could arrive. The witness accounts describe those nearby as stepping forward to help move passengers away from the burning aircraft and toward safer areas while awaiting further medical assessment.
U.S. Coast Guard and allied Canadian and American emergency services responded to the incident, coordinating a multi-agency effort to manage the situation, control the area, and provide aid to injured individuals. Details on the number of people involved, the exact time of the crash, and the severity of injuries have not yet been released by authorities.
Canadian authorities noted that one of the key actions during the response was the rapid local assistance that helped stabilize scenes and facilitate access for responders arriving by sea and air. Investigators are expected to review the sequence of events leading to the emergency landing, the actions taken to extinguish the fire, and the safety protocols followed by the flight operators.
Officials emphasized that investigations are ongoing and that no official casualties have been confirmed publicly at this time. The incident highlights the importance of bystander preparedness and rapid mobilization of cross-border emergency resources in border regions.
Further updates are anticipated as investigators compile information from flight records, interview witnesses, and assess the condition of those injured. The incident continues to be monitored by regional authorities, with temporary restrictions on access to parts of the shoreline while safety assessments proceed.