Bimini, The Bahamas: A Tropic Ocean Airways seaplane carrying eight American passengers and two crew members crashed into the water while preparing for departure from North Bimini, Bahamas, on August 1, with all 10 occupants rescued safely in an incident that is now under investigation by Bahamian authorities.
According to the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan seaplane was departing from North Bimini for Fort Lauderdale, Florida, when the accident occurred shortly before takeoff. Police said the aircraft was taxiing on the water and attempting to line up for departure when it reportedly veered uncontrollably to the left. The pilot is said to have taken evasive action to avoid heavy boat traffic in the area, but the aircraft struck a dock before overturning and sinking in waters estimated to be about 100 feet (30 metres) deep.
The aircraft was operated by Tropic Ocean Airways, a Florida-based seaplane carrier that provides scheduled and charter flights between South Florida, the Bahamas and other Caribbean destinations. The airline confirmed the aircraft was involved in an accident and said it is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation.
All eight passengers, identified only as American tourists, along with the two crew members, escaped the aircraft and were rescued safely. Nick Pavlakis, general manager of Marine Max in Jupiter and a rescue boat operator, witnessed the crash and quickly took action to help the eight passengers and two crew members on board. Authorities have not released the identities of the passengers or crew, and no injuries have been officially reported.
The rescue began almost immediately as nearby boaters, marina personnel and bystanders rushed to assist those aboard. Witnesses helped evacuate the occupants from the overturned aircraft before emergency responders arrived at the scene. The Royal Bahamas Police Force later confirmed that everyone on board had been accounted for and rescued.
Passenger Jeanne O’Brien, who was among those on board, told ABC News that the aircraft “went down pretty fast” after striking the dock. She said the passengers worked together to exit the cabin after the impact. Video recorded following the accident showed occupants in the water wearing life jackets as nearby vessels converged to assist. ABC News reported that the rescue was completed within minutes.
Authorities have not determined the cause of the accident. Investigators are expected to examine the aircraft, pilot actions, operating conditions and other factors to establish why the seaplane lost directional control while taxiing for departure. No mechanical failure has been confirmed, and officials have not indicated whether weather or water conditions contributed to the accident.
The Royal Bahamas Police Force is leading the initial investigation, while additional aviation authorities are expected to review the occurrence in accordance with international accident investigation procedures. Tropic Ocean Airways said it is providing full assistance to investigators and remains focused on supporting those affected.
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft, which came to rest submerged after overturning. Recovery operations are expected to support the investigation into the sequence of events leading up to the crash.
Further updates are expected once Bahamian investigators release additional findings or a preliminary accident report.
