Six dead after Sydney seaplane crash

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Six people were killed when a seaplane crashed into a river in Australia on Sunday, police said.

The plane went down in the Hawkesbury River near the suburb of Cowan, some 50 kilometers north of Sydney. Police said divers recovered all six bodies but the identities were not immediately released.

There were unconfirmed reports in Australian media that four of the passengers were British nationals. The British Foreign Office was unable to confirm the reports but said it was in touch with Australian authorities.

A diver is seen entering the water from a rescue vessel after a seaplane crashed into a Sydney river. /Reuters Photo

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau said the aircraft was a DHC-2 Beaver Seaplane on a return flight to Rose Bay in Sydney Harbor. The accident came just hours before the harbor was set to be lit up in a spectacular fireworks display to welcome in the New Year.

A rescue helicopter spotted debris and an oil slick after the crash.

Sydney Seaplanes confirmed that an incident had occurred with a plane believed to belong to the company which offers scenic flights over Sydney tourist attractions and waterways.

Boats are seen in water with oil slick after a seaplane crashed into the river. /Reuters Photo

The safety bureau is expected to investigate the incident and release a preliminary report in about 30 days, with a final report expected to take up to 12 months.

Source(s): AFP ,Xinhua News Agency