One dead in seaplane crash

Nine others are still unaccounted for.

At least one person has died and nine others are unaccounted for as a result of a seaplane crash that occurred near Mutiny Bay Sunday afternoon.

According to Jon Gabelein, public information officer for South Whidbey Fire/EMS, the accident occurred around 3:11 p.m. on Sept. 4 one or two miles from the shores of Whidbey Island. The seaplane was believed to be from Friday Harbor and en route to the Seattle area.

There were 10 people aboard the downed plane, including one child. So far one person has been confirmed dead, and Gabelein said it’s likely there are no survivors from the crash.

Recovery efforts are expected to continue into the night.

The cause of the crash is unknown at this time.

South Whidbey Fire/EMS, Central Whidbey Island Fire & Rescue, North Whidbey Fire and Rescue and the Coast Guard all provided rescue boats to assist in the effort.