Floatplane crashes near WA's Sucia Islands with 11 on board
11 people survive after Kenmore Air flight
A Kenmore Air floatplane crashed in the San Juan Islands on Thursday with 11 people on board, and all passengers
SAN JUAN ISLANDS, Wash. - A Kenmore Air floatplane crashed north of Orcas Island on Thursday night with 11 people on board, and all passengers are accounted for.
Floatplane crash near Sucia Island
What we know:
The crash happened around 5:15 p.m. near Sucia Island, located in the San Juan Islands. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the floatplane was attempting to make an emergency landing before catching fire.
Multiple agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard, San Juan County Sheriff's Office, and Orcas Island Fire and Rescue responded to the scene.
The burned-up floatplane wreckage remained resting on the rocks along the coast of Sucia Island overnight. Crews removed the floatplane on Friday.
The aftermath of a floatplane crash near Sucia Island on July 23, 2026. (USCG Northwest)
11 people on board survive crash
All 11 people on board the floatplane were accounted for Thursday evening, and only four people were injured, according to Kenmore Air.
In a press release, six passengers were taken to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham, four passengers were transported to PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center in Friday Harbor and the pilot was transferred to Skagit Valley Hospital for evaluation and treatment.
Everyone on the plane was rescued from the water, with injuries ranging from broken bones to head injuries and lacerations. One patient was in critical condition on Thursday, the San Juan County Sheriff's Office said.
On Friday morning, a man and a woman, both in their 20s, were taken to Harborveiw Medical Center in satisfactory condition.
PeaceHealth told FOX 13 Seattle one person remains in satisfactory condition in Bellingham, and four others were discharged Friday morning. Two other patients are expected to be discharged later Friday.
A still frame from a video capturing a Kenmore Air floatplane conducting an emergency landing near Sucia Island. (Jonathan Scott)
Kenmore Air flights resume Saturday
What they're saying:
Kenmore Air said in a statement that all scheduled flights for Friday, July 24, are canceled. However, the company told FOX 13 Seattle that all regular flights are set to resume on Saturday.
David Gudgel, CEO of Kenmore Air, issued the following statement following the floatplane crash:
"This evening one of our aircraft was involved in an accident near Sucia Island. We are grateful that everyone aboard has been accounted for, and our immediate focus is ensuring our passengers and pilot receive the care and support they need. We extend our sincere thanks to the United States Coast Guard, local emergency responders, and everyone assisting in the response. Kenmore Air is fully cooperating with the investigating authorities, and we will continue providing verified information as it becomes available."
Kenmore Air said its team will be focusing on supporting the passengers, pilot, families, employees and emergency response efforts. The company is contacting passengers directly regarding rebooking and refund options. Customers can contact their reservations team at 888-435-9524 for assistance.
"We recognize this disruption may affect our customers' travel plans, and we sincerely appreciate their patience and understanding during this difficult time," Kenmore Air said in a press release. "Our thoughts remain with everyone affected, and we are grateful to the United States Coast Guard, local emergency responders, and our community partners for their swift response and continued support. We will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available."
Investigation into cause of crash
What we don't know:
The cause of the crash, or why the floatplane attempted an emergency landing, is under investigation.
The identities of the 11 passengers have not been released.
Aviation expert speaks about Kenmore Air crash
Aviation expert Jimmy Anderson talks to Good Day Seattle to speak about Thursday's Kenmore Air floatpane crash in the San Juan Islands. Eleven people onboard the flight survived.
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The Source: Information in this story came from the U.S. Coast Guard, the San Juan County Sheriff's Office, Orcas Island Fire and Rescue, Kenmore Air, PeaceHealth, and FOX 13 Seattle reporting.