Search for missing called off after deadly Puget Sound float plane crash
An active search for nine people, including a child, who remain missing after a deadly float plane crash in Puget Sound has been suspended.
The U.S. Coast Guard says the search was suspended at noon Monday after teams covered 26 sites and 1,283 linear nautical miles.
“All next of kin have been notified of this decision. Our hearts go out to the families, loved ones and friends of those who remain missing and the deceased,” the agency wrote in a social media update Monday afternoon.
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(2/2) All next of kin have been notified of this decision. Our hearts go out to the families, loved ones and friends of those who remain missing and the deceased.
— USCGPacificNorthwest (@USCGPacificNW) September 5, 2022
Initially, one person was reported dead after the aircraft crashed in Mutiny Bay, west of Whidbey Island, in Washington state Sunday.
The agency first received reports of the incident just after 3 p.m. The plane was headed for Renton Municipal Airport in Washington after leaving Friday Harbor.
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Several Coast Guard crews had been helping in the search for those missing, with teams out through the night. They were working alongside local first responders from South Whidbey Fire, the Island County Sheriff’s Office, and the Snohomish County Sheriff’s office.
#UPDATE #USCG Cutters Osprey & Blue Shark crews will remain on scene throughout the night searching for the 9 individuals on the seaplane. Temporary Flight Restrictions have been established by the FAA First-light searches set to resume on Labor Day by 2 #USCG aircraft & crews.
— USCGPacificNorthwest (@USCGPacificNW) September 5, 2022
It’s still unclear what caused the float plane to crash.
