Tragic Seaplane Crash Claims Three Lives Near Australian Tourist Island

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A devastating seaplane crash occurred off Rottnest Island, Australia, on January 7, 2025, resulting in the deaths of three individuals, including two foreign tourists. The incident involved a Cessna 208 Caravan, which was returning to its base in Perth after takeoff.

The deceased are identified as a 65-year-old Swiss woman, a 60-year-old Danish man, and the 34-year-old pilot from Perth, according to Western Australian Premier Roger Cook. Of the seven people on board, only one emerged unscathed, while three others sustained injuries and were transported to a hospital in Perth.

Authorities have confirmed that the victims' partners, including a 63-year-old Swiss man and a 58-year-old Danish woman, survived the crash, as did a Western Australian couple aged 65 and 63. The cause of the accident remains unclear, with ongoing investigations into reports that the seaplane may have collided with water during takeoff.

Premier Cook expressed deep sorrow over the tragic event, emphasizing that Rottnest Island is a cherished tourist destination within Western Australia. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has dispatched investigators to the scene, with the wreckage and bodies having been recovered from the water.

The incident occurred against the backdrop of the summer tourist season, when the island is typically bustling with visitors drawn to its sandy beaches and unique wildlife. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the situation as “terrible news” and extended his condolences to those affected.

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