Witnesses have described the horror moment a seaplane crashed into water off popular tourist destination Rottnest Island in Western Australia, with three people still missing.
WA Police confirmed on Tuesday that three people were unaccounted for, while four others were rescued and taken to hospital.
Their injuries were described as serious.
Water Police and civilian vessels were on the scene to help with the rescue.
Witnesses described the moment the plane hit the water to 9 News.
Three people are missing after the seaplane crashed into water at Rottnest Island, shortly after taking off. Picture: ABC News
“It just smashed straight into the water — for myself, it’s obviously like a sort of drop in the heart,” one witness said.
Tourist Greg Quin earlier told the ABC he saw the plane take off then crash before members of the public rushed to help.
“We were watching the seaplane take off and just as it was beginning to get off the water, it just tipped over and it crashed,” he told the ABC.
“It was a complete shock.”
Anthony Albanese said his thoughts were with those involved in the incident while speaking on the ABC on Wednesday morning.
“This is terrible news,” the Prime Minister said. “The pictures would’ve been seen by all Australians as they have woken up. My heart goes out to all those involved.”
– NCA NewsWire