Light plane crashes near Rottnest Island

A private plane has crashed off Western Australia's popular tourist site, Rottnest Island. According to police, at least four individuals had been pulled from the water, but their condition has not been disclosed publicly.

The Cessna 208 seaplane crashed near Rottnest’s main swimming area at about 4pm on Tuesday. Emergency services, including water police, as well as civilian vessels, attempted to rescue passengers and crew.

“It appears the plane had hit Phillip Rock at the entrance to Thomson Bay,” WA police commissioner Col Blanch said on Tuesday evening.

“We were watching the sea plane take off and just as it was beginning to get off the water, it just tipped over and it crashed,” a witness told reporters.

“It was a complete shock.”

“A lot of people were in the water when boats rushed to the scene and I think they got there really, really quickly which was just amazing,”

“I can confirm that four people have been recovered from the water, but their condition is currently unknown.

“There have been a number of members of the public who did not hesitate to assist and I thank them for their efforts.”

Rottnest Island is located about 20 kilometres off the coast from the WA capital, Perth.

The island is 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.


Aircraft Information:

Owner/Operator: Trans Tasmanian Air Services Pty Ltd

Code: N/A

Aircraft: Cessna 208 Caravan

Registration: VH-WTY

Serial Number: 20800586

Engines: Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-114A

First Flew: 21/01/2016

Age: 9 Years