Tragedy Strikes San Juan Islands: Kenmore Air Floatplane Crashes Near Sucia Island, Multiple Injured

What began as a picturesque journey through the stunning San Juan Islands turned into a terrifying ordeal on Thursday afternoon, July 23, 2026. A Kenmore Air floatplane, carrying eleven souls, dramatically crashed near the shores of Sucia Island, sending shockwaves through the usually tranquil Washington state archipelago.

The unfortunate incident unfolded around 5:22 pm local time. The aircraft, which had departed from Lake Union in Seattle approximately an hour earlier at 4:30 pm, was en route to its intended destination of Roche Harbour on San Juan Island. While official confirmation is still pending, Flight Radar information indicates the plane involved was likely a Kenmore Air DHC-3 Otter floatplane, tail number N709KA. Imagine the sheer terror for those on board as the aircraft, instead of a smooth landing, found itself in an emergency situation, ultimately coming to rest on the shore of Sucia Island.

Immediately, the focus shifted to rescue and recovery. Reports from the San Juan County Sheriff's Office confirmed that at least four of the eleven individuals on board sustained serious injuries, a grim detail that underscores the severity of the crash. A spokesperson for Kenmore Air, in the immediate aftermath, could only confirm four serious injuries, noting they lacked specific information regarding the condition of the remaining seven people, adding a layer of anxious uncertainty for families and loved ones.

The response was nothing short of monumental. Emergency crews, a veritable armada of first responders from various islands and agencies, immediately sprang into action. The vigilant US Coastguard, along with a remarkable assembly of local heroes from Orcas Island Fire & Rescue, San Juan Island Fire & Rescue, and Lopez Island Fire & Rescue, swiftly mobilized. Airlift North West was also on scene, highlighting the critical nature of the injuries. Adding to the coordinated effort were personnel from San Juan County Parks and the San Juan County Sheriff's Office, all converging on the area around Shallow Bay to assist with the rescue operation.

As of early Friday morning, the full picture remains somewhat hazy, as is often the case with such complex incidents. The exact type of aircraft, the precise conditions of all those involved, and critically, the cause of this unexpected crash are not yet officially confirmed. An investigation will undoubtedly follow, seeking to understand what led to this harrowing emergency in the beautiful, but now shaken, San Juan Islands, close to the US/Canada border. Our thoughts, of course, are with all those affected and the tireless first responders.