A Harbour Air float plane collided with a recreational boat in Vancouver’s Coal Harbour on Saturday afternoon, authorities reported. Video footage shows several boats surrounding a sinking aircraft in Burrard Inlet off Stanley Park.
CTV News Vancouver’s Abigail Turner, who witnessed the crash, saw the plane hit the water. After the impact, she noted two people standing on the wing as the plane began to sink. Nearby boats quickly converged on the scene, with first responders gathering on land.
Harbour Air stated that the seaplane, carrying five passengers on a scenic tour, “came into contact” with a boat during takeoff. Remarkably, all passengers and the pilot were uninjured, according to the airline.
Contrarily, the Vancouver Police Department reported that “several” people were treated for injuries and taken to the hospital. BC Emergency Health Services confirmed that paramedics provided emergency care to two individuals, who were transported with minor injuries, while ten additional patients did not require hospital transport.
The Port of Vancouver confirmed the collision occurred just after 12:50 p.m., with a port authority harbour patrol vessel among the emergency responders. The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Victoria, handling search and rescue missions for the Canadian Coast Guard in B.C., dispatched two Coast Guard vessels from the Kitsilano station. They confirmed all individuals aboard the plane and boat were accounted for, although injury statuses were initially unclear.
Harbour Air emphasized their commitment to safety and expressed gratitude to emergency services for their swift response. The federal Transportation Safety Board (TSB) is leading the investigation into the incident, having been promptly notified.
Vancouver Fire Rescue Services Chief Karen Fry tweeted shortly after 1 p.m. about the “marine incident” response. CTV News continues to seek more information on the injuries resulting from the crash.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
