Full Breakdown
Kenmore Air Seapplane Crash Near Sucia Island: Rescue, Injuries, and Ongoing Investigation
7/24/2026, 2:23:37 PM
Core Event
On July 23, 2026, a Kenmore Air de Havilland DHC-3 Otter (Flight 140) departed Seattle’s Lake Union at about 4:30 p.m. bound for Roche Harbor. Approximately 45 minutes after take-off, the aircraft entered Shallow Bay near Sucia Island, made an emergency landing and caught fire. All 11 people on board—10 passengers and one pilot—were rescued from the water.
Response and Rescue Operations
The U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, Canadian Coast Guard, San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, Orcas Island Fire & Rescue, San Juan Island Fire & Rescue, Lopez Island Fire & Rescue, San Juan County Parks and local civilian boaters participated in the rescue and recovery effort.
Injuries and Medical Care
One passenger was reported in critical condition. Two injured passengers were taken to a hospital in Bellingham, two others to medical facilities on Orcas Island (some reports cite Harborview Medical Center in Seattle). The remaining seven passengers were moved to a U.S. Coast Guard base for evaluation.
Official Statements & Responses
- Kenmore Air activated its emergency-response procedures, thanked responders and pledged full cooperation with investigators.
- San Juan County Sheriff Eric Peter highlighted the rapid “boat-to-scene” effort and the priority of preserving life.
- The FAA and NTSB opened investigations; the cause of the emergency landing remains undetermined.
Data & Statistics
- People on board: 11 (10 passengers + 1 pilot) – Kenmore Air.
- Injured: 4 (including 1 critical) – San Juan County Sheriff’s Office.
- Transported for evaluation: 7 to a Coast Guard base – Kenmore Air.
- Flight cancellations: All scheduled flights were cancelled for July 24, 2026 while the airline supports those affected.
Investigation
The FAA and NTSB are conducting parallel investigations. No official cause has been released, and Kenmore Air has declined to speculate.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Hospital destinations: Some outlets report two injured passengers taken to Bellingham and two to Orcas Island; others cite one pair to Bellingham and another pair to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.
- Time of crash: Sources list the incident at 5:15 p.m., 5:20 p.m., and “around 5:15 p.m.”
Verbatim Quote
- “It sounds dire at the moment when it's all evolving,” — County Sheriff Eric Peter
What’s Next
Kenmore Air cancelled all flights scheduled for July 24, 2026 and indicated its priority is supporting passengers, the pilot, families, employees and emergency-response teams while investigators continue to examine the crash.
