A chaotic scene unfolded in Vancouver’s Coal Harbour near Stanley Park on Saturday afternoon as a Harbour Air seaplane collided with a pleasure boat, resulting in multiple injuries and hospitalizations.
According to the Vancouver Police Department (VPD), the incident occurred around 1 p.m. PT when the seaplane collided with the boat in the water near Brockton Point. Rescue boats were quickly dispatched to the scene, where several passengers from both the plane and the boat were treated for injuries and transported to the hospital.
A spokesperson for Harbour Air confirmed that the seaplane, carrying five passengers on a sightseeing tour, collided with the boat shortly after takeoff from the seaplane terminal. Fortunately, all passengers on the aircraft, as well as the pilot, escaped uninjured. The spokesperson assured that all passengers on the boat were also safe and accounted for.
Witnesses, including tourist Pat Anson from Australia, described the harrowing moment when the floatplane appeared to crash into the boat. Anson recounted seeing the plane attempting to take off before jumping in the air and nosediving over the top of speedboats in the area.
The Joint Rescue Co-Ordination Centre (JRCC) in Victoria received a distress call at 12:55 p.m. PT and promptly dispatched rescue vessels to the scene. Multiple agencies, including the Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services and the Coast Guard, collaborated in the rescue efforts.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada announced that they would be sending a team of investigators to gather information and assess the crash. Meanwhile, Coal Harbour, a bustling hub for seaplane operations in downtown Vancouver, was temporarily disrupted by the incident.
As the investigation continues, more details are expected to emerge regarding the circumstances surrounding the collision. The safety and well-being of those involved remain a top priority for authorities and the aviation company.