Wednesday, January 8, 2025 A tragic seaplane crash near Rottnest Island, Western Australia, claimed the lives of three individuals, including international tourists from Switzerland and Denmark , on January 7, 2025. The aircraft, a Cessna 208 Caravan operated by Swan River Seaplanes, crashed during takeoff, leaving three others injured and one passenger unharmed. The crash occurred as the seaplane was departing Rottnest Island, also known by its Indigenous name, Wadjemup, en route to Perth, approximately 30 kilometers away.
The victims include a 65-year-old Swiss woman, a 60-year-old Danish man, and the 34-year-old pilot from Perth. Among the survivors were the Swiss woman’s 63-year-old partner, the Danish man’s 58-year-old partner, and an Australian couple aged 65 and 63. None of the survivors sustained life-threatening injuries, though three were transported to a Perth hospital for treatment.
Preliminary reports suggest the plane may have struck a rock at the entrance of a bay on the island’s west side, leading to the crash. However, Western Australian Premier Roger Cook stated that this detail could not yet be confirmed based on the video evidence reviewed. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has launched an investigation into the crash to determine its cause.
Western Australian Police Commissioner Col Blanch confirmed the survivors were stable and being treated. Emergency responders acted swiftly, with medical teams and investigators on-site to manage the .
