Canadian citizen among those killed in float plane crash in Alaska

ALASKA (NEWS 1130) – A Canadian is among the four dead after two float planes collided in Alaska Monday afternoon.

Two people are still missing, and 10 others are in hospital after the two planes collided and went down in the water near Ketchikan, Alaska.

Global Affairs Canada says consular officials in Seattle are in contact with authorities to provide any support needed but they have not identified the Canadian victim.

“Our thoughts and sympathies are with the family and loved ones of the Canadian citizen who died in Alaska,” the organization said in a statement to NEWS 1130. “Canadian consular officials in Seattle are in contact with local authorities to gather additional information and stand ready to provide consular assistance as required.”

BREAKING NEWS: A Canadian has been confirmed dead after yesterday's float plane crash in southeast Alaska. Four people were killed, two are still missing after the mid-air collision. The latest on @NEWS1130

— Amanda Wawryk (@AmandaWawryk) May 14, 2019

The cruise line confirmed to CityNews Vancouver that both planes were carrying guests from Royal Princess, which is currently sailing a seven-day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise after departing Vancouver on Saturday, May 11 for Anchorage.

One of the floatplanes, a de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver on an independent tour, had four guests on board, plus a pilot.

The second plane, a single-engine de Havilland Otter DHC-3, was on a Misty Fjords shore excursion sold through Princess Cruises and operated by Taquan Air. Ten cruise ship guests were on board, plus the pilot. Nine of the guests, as well as the pilot, have been taken to hospital with one of them in critical condition.

We are about to depart Ketchikan, AK and as we start to learn of the plane crash, our captain just made this announcement. I am on a different Princess cruise that was also docked here today. We are safe, but this is horrible news. pic.twitter.com/f4SqJtbbnQ

— Kattey Ortiz (@katteynotkatie) May 14, 2019

The planes collided at 1:08 p.m. Monday. The cause of the crash is still unknown.

Jennifer Homendy with the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board says staff will arrive Tuesday afternoon.

“We’ll also have two people from our Transportation Disaster Assistance Team who will be supporting the Family Assistance Operation,” she adds.

In a statement, Princess Cruises said it had activated members of its Care Team to provide assistance to the families impacted.

“We are deeply saddened to report this news and our thoughts and prayers are with those who lost their lives and the families of those impacted by today’s accident,” said the statement. “Princess Cruises is extending its full support to traveling companions of the guests involved.”

-With files from the Associated Press, Jonathan Szekeres and Monika Gul