Seaplane crash kills three during takeoff from tourist island in Australia
- A Cessna 208 Caravan operated by Swan River Seaplanes crashed during takeoff from Rottnest Island.
- Three people, including tourists and the pilot, died, while three others survived the incident.
- The cause of the crash is still unknown, prompting an investigation by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.
On January 7, 2025, a tragic incident occurred when a seaplane crashed during takeoff from Rottnest Island in Australia. The seaplane, a Cessna 208 Caravan operated by Swan River Seaplanes, was leaving the tourist destination for its base in Perth, located 30 kilometers away. The crash resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including a 65-year-old woman from Switzerland, a 60-year-old man from Denmark, and the 34-year-old male pilot from Perth. There were seven people on board at the time of the accident, with only one person emerging uninjured. The surviving passengers included the partners of the deceased tourists and two Australians, aged 63 and 65, who also managed to escape without injuries. The circumstances surrounding the crash are still under investigation. Speculations suggest the floatplane may have collided with the water during takeoff. Eyewitnesses described seeing the plane tip over just before crashing, while the Australian Transport Safety Bureau dispatched investigators to the scene for a detailed assessment. The local police and divers recovered the bodies from a depth of eight meters, revealing the tragic outcome of this maritime disaster. The plane wreckage was being salvaged as part of the recovery efforts. Rottnest Island, known for its picturesque beaches and unique wildlife, including quokkas, a small marsupial, is a popular destination for tourists. However, this incident has cast a shadow over what is typically a joyous seasonal period for the island, leaving local authorities and the Australian community in mourning. The Western Australian Premier Roger Cook expressed his condolences, stating that events like this are deeply upsetting, especially in a location traditionally associated with leisure and happiness. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese echoed these sentiments, describing the news of the incident as terrible and expressing his sympathy for all affected. As the investigation continues, many questions arise about the safety measures in place for seaplane operations and the protocols to prevent such tragic occurrences in the future. The focus remains on ensuring that this event does not repeat itself and that the families of the victims receive the support they need during this challenging time.