Sydney seaplane crash (Australian newspaper photo)
On the last day of 2017, a six-seater Sydney passenger plane returned to (Rose Bay), Rose Bay, from (Cottage Point), Cape Cotige, when it accidentally crashed into the (Hawkesbury River), Hoxbury River, and five passengers were killed, the Australian newspaper reported.
The tragedy occurred around 03:15 and police said the plane crashed at a depth of 13 metres underwater in (Jerusalem Bay), Jerusalem Bay. Police have recovered the bodies of three victims and are trying to retrieve the remains of three others trapped in the wreckage of the plane.
Western Pacific rescue helicopter (Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter) has been evacuated from the scene, rescuers found oil traces and aircraft debris on the surface of the (Cowan Creek) site in Cohn Creek, and divers have arrived at the scene.
As water police locate the sunken plane, luxury airline Sydney seaplane (Sydney Seaplanes) has said it owns the plane.
Sydney`s head of the seaplane, Sean (Aaron Shaw), said it had been "shocked" to hear the crash of the six-person de Havilland Beaver seaplane on board and that the company had operated for years and had never seen such an incident. Sean said it was unclear why the plane crashed and would do its best to assist the police in the investigation.
Thirty minutes before the accident, Sydney`s 80-year-old seaplane company just posted a social networking site, Facebook, saying it was a very successful year.
The Australian Transport Safety Agency, (Australian Transport Bureau of Safety), has confirmed it will take over the accident investigation and will issue a preliminary investigation report within a month.
