Seaplane with four people on board plummets into the ocean near popular Australian tourist island
A seaplane has crashed near a popular tourist island shortly after the plane took off.
The aircraft struck the water at Rottnest Island near Thompson Bay, in Western Australia, about 4pm on Tuesday.
Emergency services, including water police and two RAC Rescue helicopters, are at the scene.
Four people have been recovered from the water, however their condition is not yet known.
Three people including two women aged in their 40s have suffered serious injuries.
‘Water Police and a number of civilian vessels provided immediate aid in an attempt to assist in the rescue,’ WA Police Force Commissioner of Police Col Blanch said.
‘This is very much an unfolding situation and we are working to ascertain the details.’
Commissioner Blanch said the privately owned aircraft hit the water at Phillip Rock at the entrance of Thompson Bay.
The aircraft struck the water (pictured) at Rottnest Island near Thompson Bay, in Western Australia, about 4pm on Tuesday
Seven people are understood to have been on board the aircraft, the West Australian reports.
Rottnest Island, which is also known as Wadjemup, is located 20 kilometres off the coast from Perth.
It’s a popular holiday spot in the summer months attracting thousands of visitors.
The island, which is also home to the world-famous marsupial quokkas, has a small airport and various companies offer flights to and from the mainland.
WA Police confirmed that four people have been recovered from the water after the plane crashed (pictured), however their condition is not yet known
More to come.
