<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?> <docID>336247</docID> <postdate>2025-01-08 08:40:24</postdate> <headline>Three missing after four rescued from seaplane crash</headline> <body><p><img class="size-full wp-image-336248" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/seaplane-crash.jpg" alt="" width="782" height="440" /></p> <caption>Three people have been hurt and three others are unaccounted after a seaplane crash. Photo: ABC News</caption> <p><span class="kicker-line">By <strong>Aaron Bunch</strong> in Perth</span></p> <p><strong>Three people are seriously injured and several others are unaccounted for after a seaplane crashed near the main swimming and boating area of a busy holiday island.</strong></p> <p>WA Police have confirmed seven people including the pilot were on the privately-owned plane when it plunged into the water near Rottnest Island, off Perth, about 4pm local time on Tuesday.</p> <p>Premier Roger Cook issued a statement saying he was being briefed on the incident and his thoughts were with all those affected.</p> <p>It appeared the plane had struck Phillip Rock, a low-lying outcrop, at the entrance to Thompson Bay, from where ferry services to the island are launched, shortly after take-off.</p> <p>Western Australia's Police Commissioner Col Blanch said water police and a number of civilian vessels had provided immediate aid in an attempt to assist in the rescue.</p> <p>"This is very much an unfolding incident and we are working to ascertain the details including how many people were on the plane."</p> <p>Of those recovered, three were airlifted to hospitals with varying levels of serious injury, while the fourth person rescued was unhurt.</p> <p>"I do want to reassure the community that we have significant resources on scene and we are doing everything that we can," he added.</p> <p>A number of resources had been deployed to Rottnest Island and would remain at the scene on Tuesday evening, police said.</p> <p>Rottnest Island, which is also known as Wadjemup, is located about 20 kilometres off the coast from Perth.</p> <p>It's a popular holiday spot in the summer months attracting thousands of visitors.</p> <p>The island, which is also home to the world-famous marsupial quokkas, has a small airport and various companies offer flights to and from the mainland.</p> </body>