&nbsp;Investigators are working to determine the cause of a devastating seaplane crash near Rottnest Island, off the coast of Perth, that resulted in the deaths of three people and left three others seriously injured.
The privately owned Cessna 208 Caravan 675 reportedly struck a limestone outcrop, Phillip Rock, while attempting to take off from Rottnest Island around 4 PM (local time) on Tuesday. The aircraft nose-dived into the waters near Thomson Bay, with seven people onboard, including the pilot.
Three Lives Lost, Frantic Rescue Efforts Three bodies were recovered from the submerged wreckage by police divers on Tuesday night, following intense search efforts throughout the afternoon. The victims were identified as a 65-year-old Swiss woman, a 60-year-old Danish man, and the 34-year-old Perth-based pilot.
WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch described the underwater recovery as "very difficult and dangerous," with divers locating the victims eight meters below the water's surface.
Four survivors were pulled from the water, three of whom were hospitalized with various injuries. The survivors include a 63-year-old Swiss man, a 63-year-old West Australian man, a 65-year-old West Australian woman, and a 58-year-old Danish woman.
Ongoing Investigation and Recovery Efforts A 200-meter exclusion zone remains in place around the crash site as police and Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) officials continue investigations and work to recover remaining aircraft debris.
Commissioner Blanch confirmed that the police investigation will focus on the cause of the fatalities, while the ATSB will analyze the circumstances leading to the crash.
Angus Mitchell, Chief Commissioner of the ATSB, said specialized teams from Perth, Brisbane, and Canberra are on-site, focusing on aircraft operations, maintenance records, and human factors.
Authorities are urging witnesses or anyone with footage of the incident to come forward as the investigation progresses.

A seaplane crashed near Rottnest Island in Australia

Authorities investigate fatal seaplane crash near Rottnest Island; three dead, three injured

Tragic Seaplane Crash Claims Three Lives Near Perth

Authorities investigate fatal seaplane crash near Rottnest Island; three dead, three injured

January 8, 2025 | 10:09 IST