Cruise passengers killed as shore trip planes collide
FIVE people are dead and 10 others are injured after two planes carrying cruise passengers taking part in shore excursions collided mid-air over Southeast Alaska.
Princess Cruises confirmed that the pilot of a de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver and all four passengers were killed in the collision with a de Havilland Otter DHC-3 just after 1pm local time about eight nautical miles from the town of Ketchikan.
“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,” Princess Cruises said in a statement.
The passengers were travelling on the Royal Princess cruise ship.
“Princess Cruises is extending its full support to travelling companions of the guests involved.”
The cruise was on a sevenday Voyage of the Glaciers tour that departed Vancouver on May 11 and was scheduled to arrive in Anchorage on Saturday, May 18.
Coast Guard Petty Officer Jon-Paul Rios said the DHC-3 was carrying 11 people. He added that the 10 injured were from the larger plane and an 11th person was among the missing.
Three of those injured were in a serious condition and seven were in fair condition.