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US-AVIATION-ACCIDENT
Five dead, one missing in floatplanes collision in Alaska
WASHINGTON, May 14, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Five people died and one person was
missing Monday after two floatplanes collided mid-air in Alaska while
carrying passengers from a cruise ship’s sightseeing expedition, officials
said.
The two aircraft — a Beaver floatplane and an Otter floatplane — had been
carrying 16 passengers from the Royal Princess cruise ship when they crashed
near Ketchikan around 1:00 pm (2100 GMT), Princess Cruises said in a
statement circulated by US media.
The dead included four passengers and a pilot, according to Princess
Cruises. Ten people were rescued and were receiving medical care.
The US Coast Guard said three people were confirmed dead and that it was
searching for three others near George Inlet, along with help from partner
agencies — including the US Forest Service and Alaska state troopers — and
good Samaritans.
Helicopters and boats were deployed by the Coast Guard for the search-and-
rescue operation.
“In a remote area such as this, given our limited resources, we rely on our
partner agencies and appreciate the support that good Samaritans have
rendered to this point,” said Captain Stephen White, Coast Guard Sector
Juneau commander.
“With the loss of life in this case, we know that the impact to Alaska is
immense and our thoughts are with the community here.”
The National Transportation Safety Board said it was launching a “Go Team”
to investigate the cause of the accident.
BSS/AFP/GMR/1109 hrs