Broome, Western Australia — A major emergency response was launched on Thursday after a light aircraft crashed into shallow waters off the coast of Broome, leaving one person with a head injury.
The aircraft went down at approximately 11:25 a.m. in Roebuck Bay, near mangrove areas known for crocodile activity, heightening concerns for those on board.
Emergency services, including multiple ambulances, police units, and marine rescue teams, were rapidly deployed to the scene as authorities coordinated a large-scale rescue effort along the coastline.
According to St John WA, initial reports indicated that paramedics were preparing to treat up to seven individuals. Police later confirmed that two pilots and five passengers were on board the aircraft at the time of the crash.
A police spokeswoman stated that one person sustained a minor head injury, while no other injuries had been reported at that stage.
Dramatic scenes unfolded as rescue teams worked to reach the wreckage in shallow waters near Fisherman Bend. Witnesses reported seeing at least one individual being winched to safety by a rescue helicopter, underscoring the urgency of the operation.
Marine rescue vessels were also deployed to assist those involved, navigating through challenging conditions in the bay.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) confirmed it has been notified of the incident, involving a Cessna 441 aircraft, and is currently gathering further information as part of an ongoing investigation.
Authorities are expected to examine the cause of the crash as rescue and recovery efforts continue.
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