Turtle Airways Aircraft Sinks

According to sources, the aircraft had engine trouble and being a seaplane, it managed to land in waters off Vomo Island resort

ATurtle Airways Cessna aircraft sunk in waters off Vomo Island on Saturday. This happened after it was believed that two passengers who were on board swam to a second aircraft which was called in to assist.

The incident is believed to have happened just after midday.

A Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji Islands senior personnel whom the Fiji Sun spoke to yesterday evening confirmed investigations were continuing into the incident. “However I am not the right person to speak to you and this would have to be done tomorrow,” the officer, who did not wish to be named, said. “I cannot release any information.” The general manager of Turtle Airways, Ronald Kumar, said investigations were ongoing and he too could not release details.

“I will get the right person to speak to you tomorrow (today),” Mr Kumar said.

It is believed the aircraft was on its way back from Turtle Island Resort in the Yasawa Group.

According to sources, the aircraft had engine trouble and being a seaplane, it managed to land in waters off Vomo Island resort. A second company aircraft arrived soon after and the two passengers, believed to be Chinese nationals, swam across to the rescue plane. The source said a boat from Kuata, on Waya Island was nearby and tried to assist in pulling the aircraft to shore on Vomo Island. However because of the rough seas around the island, the aircraft sunk.