In the aftermath of the tragic floatplane collision on Monday which involved cruise ship passengers the death toll has now risen to six.
Six Confirmed Dead After Floatplane Collision
Authorities have now released a final update in the number of people who have sadly died after two floatplanes (seaplanes) collided with each other in mid-air during excursions in Alaska.
The U.S. Coast Guard stated the nationalities of the deceased are 4 Americans, one Canadian and one Australian. The collision occurred George Inlet not far from the cruise port in Ketchikan.
Princess Cruises did release the following statement yesterday:
We are deeply saddened by the tragic plane accident in Ketchikan yesterday, and are offering our full support to the investigating authorities as well as the traveling companions of guests involved. We immediately activated our Princess Care Team in the region and will provide updates as we know more.
The majority of them being cruise ship passengers from the Royal Princess which was docked in Ketchikan for the day on Monday, May 13. We posted on Tuesday that 5 people at the time had died all from t
he smaller de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver float plane. It was operating an independent shore excursion not booked through Princess Cruises. There were 4 cruise ship visitors and a pilot onboard.
On the other de Havilland DHC-3 Otter float plane, there was a total of eleven people including the pilot and it was an excursion booked through the cruise line.
The Coast Guard had also searched the area for two missing from the crash. After operating surface and air searches around the clock for more than 27 hours across 93 square nautical miles, the two people were found deceased which had brought the total death toll to six.
Capt. Stephen White, Sector Juneau commander, said:
“We have been in regular contact with the family members throughout our search efforts.”
“This is not the outcome we hoped for and extend our deepest sympathies during this very difficult time.”
The National Transport Safety Board is also investigating the tragic mid-air collision and Princess Cruises is providing support to relatives and everyone involved. The cruise is also supporting the investigation which is already underway.
Royal Princess is currently sailing a 7-night Alaska cruise which departed Vancouver, Canada on May 11, 2019. The ship is scheduled to arrive in Whittier Harbour on May 18. The large Princess cruise ship has a gross tonnage of 141,000 and has a guest capacity of 3,600 at double occupancy.
Our condolences go out to all friends and family of those cruise passengers that have passed away and impacted by the tragic collision near Ketchikan.
