Major update after seaplane crashed into the ocean off Rottnest Island in front of dozens of terrified beachgoers
Three bodies have been recovered from the wreckage of a seaplane that crashed into the ocean, watched by dozens of shocked beachgoers.
A pilot and six passengers were on board when the privately owned Cessna 208 crashed into the water near Thompson Bay on Rottnest Island, 19km off the coast of Perth in Western Australia, on Tuesday afternoon.
WA Premier Roger Cook confirmed on Wednesday that the bodies of three victims had been recovered from the wreck overnight by police divers.
These victims include the 34-year-old male pilot, 34, a 65-year-old female Swiss tourist, 65, and a 60-year-old Danish male tourist.
Four others were rescued from the water and three were taken to hospital with ‘varying levels of serious injuries’.
“Recovering deceased people is in itself challenging and confronting, and the task of recovering bodies from a submerged hull at night is challenging,” Cook said this at a press conference on Wednesday.
‘In eight meters of water it would have been a difficult and confrontational task.
‘So I want to join everyone else in recognizing the efforts of these people, especially the divers who were involved.
Three bodies have been recovered from the wreckage of a seaplane (pictured) that crashed into the ocean in front of dozens of shocked beachgoers
Four people were rescued from the water and three were airlifted to hospital (pictured)
WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch (pictured) said parts of the wreckage were still submerged eight meters below the ocean’s surface
‘My thoughts go out to the families and friends of the victims. This is undoubtedly very difficult for everyone involved and on behalf of every Western Australian I want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.”
Mr Cook said several civilian boats joined the rescue effort, pulling survivors from the water and returning them to shore.
‘I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who attended and was probably on holiday enjoying the time of their lives, as many West Australians do on Rottnest Island, and who immediately intervened to support emergency services in saving lives ‘ he said.
WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch said parts of the wreckage were still eight meters below the ocean’s surface and authorities would work to remove all debris from the water.
He said a 200-metre exclusion zone had been established while police and Australian Transport Safety Bureau officers investigated and recovered the remaining parts of the plane.
Police are working with passengers who survived the crash to understand why the plane nosedived shortly after takeoff.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) confirmed on Wednesday it was investigating the crash.
The photo shows the mangled wreckage of the privately owned Cessna 208 on Tuesday
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called it terrible news.
“The photos would have been seen by all Australians when they woke up this morning and our thoughts go out to everyone involved,” Albanese said.
Harrowing images emerged of the seaplane crashing into the ocean shortly after take-off.
The video, filmed by shocked onlookers, showed the Cessna 208 struggling to take off before making a sharp dive to the left.
The wingtip struck the water before the plane plunged nose first into the ocean at Phillip Rock at the entrance to Thompson Bay.