Seaplane Crash near Rottnest Island Kills Three

A tragic seaplane crash off Rottnest Island in Western Australia resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including a 34-year-old pilot named James Wong, a 65-year-old Swiss woman, and a 60-year-old Danish man. The Cessna 208 Caravan crashed shortly after takeoff around 4 PM, possibly hitting a rock near the bay entrance, prompting a swift emergency response that rescued four survivors, of whom three suffered injuries. Western Australian Premier Roger Cook expressed deep sorrow over the incident, highlighting the island's significance as a popular tourist destination. Eyewitnesses reported the plane struggling during takeoff, with one describing it as 'nose-diving' into the water. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is investigating the crash, while police divers recovered the bodies from the wreckage at a depth of eight meters. This incident adds to a troubling series of aviation accidents in Australia, raising concerns about safety in the industry.