In this edition: a Kenmore Air floatplane crash near Sucia Island— all 11 people survived, and four were injured—plus sports coverage: the Mariners’ trade-deadline activity, the Seahawks’ camp opener, and a Little League team’s path to the World Series.
Washington sports roundup: Mariners, Seahawks, and the road of small champions
In Washington state sports, things are heating up. Several major events are drawing the attention of fans at once: the approaching Major League Baseball trade deadline, the start of Seahawks training camp, and the heartwarming story of a local Little League team that earned a spot in the World Series. Each of these stories carries its own charge of emotion and intrigue.
Let’s start with the Mariners. The team is going through a difficult stretch on the approach to a familiar milestone—the trade deadline. This is the time when franchises decide whether to bolster their rosters in pursuit of the playoffs or start building for the future by parting with key players. For the Mariners, who have been in a long rebuilding process, each decision in this period could prove defining. In a video on FOX 13 Seattle, possible scenarios for the club are discussed.
Meanwhile, the broadcast also aired the second part of an interview with Elvin Davis, the legendary figure known as Mr. Mariner. The conversation is timed to the team’s upcoming 50th anniversary celebration. Davis represents an era when the “Mariners” were just beginning to win over fans, and his perspective on the franchise’s past and future is especially valuable. This isn’t just nostalgia—it’s a bridge between generations.
At the same time, a new season is breaking into American football. In just the coming weekend, the Seahawks will open training camp—when fans will once again see the team in action. Which positions need strengthening? Which newcomers could make an impact? Those questions are now on the minds of everyone following the NFL. The Seahawks have always been known for their tough defense and their charismatic quarterback, and fans are hoping the team can reclaim its former glory this year.
But perhaps the brightest news came from the world of youth sports. A local Little League team has earned a berth in the World Series. That’s an incredible achievement for young athletes who will now represent not just their region, but the entire state at a prestigious tournament. For these kids, the road to Williamsport will be the main adventure of their lives—an opportunity not only to test themselves against peers from around the world, but also to experience the spirit of true sports brotherhood. Stories like these remind us that sports begin with a dream and a simple backyard game, where every hit can become a step toward big glory.
Kenmore Air floatplane crash near Sucia Island: all 11 people survived, four injured
On the evening of July 25, 2024, a Kenmore Air floatplane crashed near Sucia Island in the San Juan archipelago. There were 10 passengers and a pilot on board. The aircraft was flying from Seattle to Roche Harbor and made an emergency landing in Shallow Bay at about 5:15 p.m. local time, after which it caught fire. All 11 people survived; four were injured, and one of them is in critical condition. According to the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, the injuries range from traumatic brain injuries to fractures and lacerations. Two of the injured were taken to hospitals in Bellingham, and two others were flown to Orcas Island for medical evaluations.
The crashed plane was a de Havilland DHC-3 Otter— the largest and most powerful floatplane in Kenmore Air’s fleet, capable of carrying up to 10 passengers and with a flight range of about 800 km (500 miles). Footage from the scene shows wreckage scattered across rocks and water, as well as a massive column of black smoke. At the time of the incident, thunderstorms with wind gusts of 19–32 km/h and visibility of 16 km were moving through the area, said Harrison Rademacher, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.
Kenmore Air is the largest floatplane operator in the United States, carrying more than 90,000 passengers per year on 45 routes across the Pacific Northwest and Canada. The company has 25 aircraft and employs 52 pilots. The flight from Seattle to Roche Harbor typically takes between 30 and 45 minutes. According to FlightRadar24 tracking data, on Thursday the aircraft departed at 4:33 p.m., headed northwest, then circled the Lopez, Decatur, Blakely, and Orcas islands before making a sharp turn north of Waldron Island and, after passing to the east, sharply descended and crashed near Sucia Island. Kenmore Air CEO David Gadgel said, “We are grateful that everyone on board has been accounted for, and our top priority is to ensure the passengers and pilot have the necessary help and support.” The company has activated emergency response procedures and is not yet commenting on possible causes of the crash.
Floatplanes are an integral part of Seattle’s summer sky: hundreds of flights take off and land each day on Lake Union and Lake Washington, connecting the islands of the Salish Sea with the mainland. The history of air taxi service from Lake Union dates back to 1914, when a vaudeville pilot gave Seattle Mayor Hiram Gill a ride—and two years later, Bill Boeing flew his first plane. Today, floatplane flights are served by San Juans, Victoria, and Canadian islands. The incident also recalls the tragedy of September 2022, when a Friday Harbor Seaplanes floatplane crashed near Whidbey Island, killing all 10 people on board. At the time, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determined that the cause was a separation between the pilot’s control organs and the aircraft’s tail. In the current investigation into the Kenmore Air crash, the NTSB and the Coast Guard will likely both be involved. It’s still too early to draw conclusions, but the incident underscores both the reliability of modern floatplanes—everyone survived—and the vulnerability of flights in complex weather conditions over the sea.
Kenmore Air floatplane crash near the San Juan Islands: all 11 people survived
On the evening of July 23, an aviation incident involving a Kenmore Air floatplane occurred near Sucia Island in the San Juan archipelago (Washington state). There were 11 people on board—passengers and a pilot. The aircraft made an emergency landing, after which it caught fire. Fortunately, all people on board were pulled from the water; four were injured, and one is in critical condition. The causes of the incident have not been determined yet; an investigation is underway.
As reported by FOX 13 Seattle, a distress signal was received at about 5:15 p.m. local time. The floatplane was headed toward Orcas Island, but was forced to land on the water in the vicinity of the rocky coastline of Sucia Island. After the aircraft touched down, it burst into flames and was partially destroyed; its charred remains were left lying on the rocks. Witnesses recorded the moment of the emergency landing on video—on the footage, the plane can be seen coming down onto the water, followed by a column of smoke rising.
U.S. Coast Guard crews, the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, and the Orcas Island Fire Department responded quickly to the scene. All 11 people were pulled out of the water. According to the sheriff’s office, four people suffered injuries of varying severity, including fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and deep cuts. One patient was hospitalized in critical condition. The other passengers were either uninjured or suffered only bruises.
Kenmore Air CEO David Gadgel has already released a statement, thanking the rescuers and confirming that the company is cooperating with the investigation. “We are grateful that everyone on board has been found, and our top priority is to provide support to the passengers and the pilot,” he emphasized.
At this time, it is unknown what specifically made an emergency landing necessary. Experts are examining the condition of the engines, the fuel system, and possible equipment malfunctions. The Coast Guard is also assessing potential environmental damage from the fire—fuel may have entered the waters of a protected area. The incident happened in a popular spot for tourists and divers, so local authorities are urging people to stay away from the wreckage until investigators finish their work.
For Kenmore Air, which has been operating regular flights for decades between Seattle and the San Juan Islands, this is a major emergency. However, the rescue operation ended with unprecedented luck—given the fire and the fall onto the rocks, everyone survived.
