A seaplane with six people on board crashed into a boat while it was taking off in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Saturday. Two of the six were taken to the hospital after the plane sank.
The accident occurred in Coal Harbour, the main seaplane area in Vancouver’s large harbor, just before noon. The plane, a popular De Haviland Beaver, was carrying five passengers and the pilot on a sightseeing tour. Seaplanes are a major part of life in the Pacific Northwest, and operate in most major harbors there.
The plane was operated by Harbour Air, and was starting its takeoff run from the terminal. A video shows a recreational powerboat passing in front of the plane, and then the collision and the plane starting to go underwater.
Authorities said the driver of the powerboat was able to help rescue people from the plane. Other boats, including some from the Canadian Coast Guard, responded almost immediately.
The plane was towed to a barge and secured, pending an investigation from the Transportation Safety Board.
See the video below:
