Two floatplanes taking cruise passengers on a Misty Fjords shore excursion have collided mid-air over Southeast Alaska today, leaving five dead and 10 injured.
Ten patients were admitted to PeaceHealth Ketchikan Medical Center, hospital where three patients are listed as being in a serious condition while seven are in fair condition.
Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Allen Kenitzer confirmed that the planes crashed near the town of Ketchikan under “unknown circumstances”.
Princess Cruises released a statement saying that they “are incredibly distressed by this situation and our thoughts and prayers are with those on board the planes and their families”.
“Princess Cruises is extending its full support to travelling companions of the guests involved,” it continued.
Passengers were cruising on Royal Princess, which departed Vancouver for a seven-day cruise on Saturday and was due to arrive in Anchorage on May 18.
The ship is not leaving as scheduled although full details of how the accident will affect the rest of the trip have not been released.
The U.S Coast Guard is investigating the crash.
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