Eight cruise passengers killed in Alaska plane crash

Dec 19 2017, 11:53 pm

A total of nine people traveling on a sightseeing float plane have been killed in a crash in Alaska.

According to the Associated Press, a DeHavilland DHC-3 Otter turboprop plane operated by Promech Air, carrying a pilot and eight cruise ship passengers from Holland America’s Westerdam, crashed into a granite rock face Thursday afternoon.

The passengers were on a shore excursion to the Misty Fjords National Monument, which departs from Ketchikan about 1,300 kilometres southeast of Anchorage.

“Misty Fjords National Monument spans more than two million acres,” reads the tour description on Promech Air’s website. “Towering granite cliffs, 1,000-foot waterfalls, lush and remote valleys and serene crystalline lakes make up this incredible landscape.”

“This unspoiled wilderness is one of our country’s greatest national treasures and includes the best scenery that Alaska has to offer, abundant wildlife, amazing landscapes and intriguing geological creations.”

Westerdam was scheduled to leave the port, but remained in the city in the evening due to the incident.

The passengers were on a seven-day cruise that departed from Seattle. The cause of the crash is not known at this time.

DH Vancouver StaffDH Vancouver Staff

+ News
ADVERTISEMENT