U.S. Coast Guard responding to two downed aircraft near Ketchikan, Alaska

The U.S. Coast Guard, partner agencies and good Samaritans are responding to two downed aircraft and are searching for three people in the vicinity of George Inlet near Ketchikan, Alaska, Monday, the USCG said in its news release.

Ten people were rescued and are receiving medical care, the extent of their injuries are unknown. Three people are confirmed deceased.

The aircraft involved were a Beaver float plane and an Otter float plane.

The Coast Guard is searching with the Coast Guard Cutter Bailey Barco, a Coast Guard Air Station Sitka MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew, a HC-130 from Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak is flying in relief crews from Sitka and two Coast Guard Station Ketchikan 45-foot Response Boat-Mediums.

Coast Guard Sector Juneau is actively coordinating the search with the following agencies:
U.S. Forest Service
Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Ketchikan Fire Department
Ketchikan Volunteer Rescue Squad
Alaska State Troopers
TEMSCO Aviation

“In a remote area such as this, given our limited resources, we rely on our partner agencies and appreciate the support that good Samaritans have rendered to this point,” said Capt. Stephen White, Coast Guard Sector Juneau commander. “With the loss of life in this case, we know that the impact to Alaska is immense and our thoughts are with the community here.”

The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the cause of the incident. Preliminary reports to the Coast Guard indicate that this was a mid-air collision between the two planes.