Tragic Seaplane Crash Near Rottnest Island Claims Three Lives
A devastating seaplane crash occurred near Rottnest Island on January 7, 2025, resulting in the loss of three lives, WA Premier Roger Cook has confirmed. The incident involved a Cessna 208 Caravan 675 floatplane, registered as VH-WTY, which went down shortly after takeoff near Thompson Bay, approximately 19 kilometers off the coast of Perth in Western Australia.
Eyewitnesses captured video footage shared on X (formerly Twitter) showing the seaplane partially submerged in the water, with the wreckage resting at a depth of eight meters. The aircraft was carrying six passengers and a pilot at the time of the crash. Tragically, the pilot and two passengers were found deceased in the wreckage. The remaining four passengers were rescued, with three sustaining injuries ranging from minor to serious.
In a press conference held on January 8, 2025, Premier Roger Cook addressed the tragic event. “Recovery of deceased people is really challenging and confronting in itself and the task of recovering bodies from a submerged fuselage at night is challenging,” Cook stated. “In eight meters of water, it would have been a difficult and confronting task.”
The pilot has been identified as an employee of Swan River Seaplane. Kristy Bailey, the company’s director, released a heartfelt statement offering condolences to the families and friends of the victims. “Our hearts go out to the families and friends affected by this tragic loss. We are committed to supporting them during this difficult time,” Bailey said.
Local authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the crash. Preliminary investigations suggest that the seaplane may have collided with a small limestone outcrop known as Phillip Rock. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has initiated a transport safety investigation into the incident. A team of investigators from the ATSB’s Perth, Brisbane, and Canberra offices has been deployed to conduct a thorough examination of the crash site and gather evidence.
Rottnest Island, a popular destination located just off Perth’s coast, is known for its stunning beaches and vibrant marine life. The crash has sent shockwaves through the local community and the broader aviation sector, highlighting the inherent risks associated with seaplane operations.
Swan River Seaplane has expressed deep sorrow over the incident and is cooperating fully with the authorities to facilitate the investigation. The company has pledged to review its safety protocols and ensure that such a tragedy does not occur in the future.
Emergency responders acted swiftly to locate and rescue the survivors, demonstrating commendable efficiency under challenging conditions. The recovery operation was complicated by the seaplane’s submerged position and the darkness of the night, making the task both physically and emotionally demanding for the rescuers.
The ATSB’s investigation will focus on various factors, including weather conditions, pilot experience, mechanical integrity of the aircraft, and any potential navigational errors. The goal is to ascertain the precise sequence of events that led to the crash and to provide recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This tragic event underscores the importance of stringent safety measures in aviation, particularly in challenging environments like seaplane operations near rocky outcrops and in coastal regions. As the investigation progresses, the community remains hopeful for answers that can bring closure to the families affected and enhance the safety of future flights.
In the meantime, Swan River Seaplane is taking steps to support the victims’ families and ensure that their loved ones are remembered with the respect and dignity they deserve. The company has also reached out to the injured passengers, offering assistance and resources to aid in their recovery.
As authorities continue their investigation, the focus remains on understanding the causes of the crash and implementing measures to safeguard against future tragedies. The loss of three lives in such a sudden and tragic manner serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the critical importance of safety in all modes of transportation.
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