A father and his 11-year-old daughter were among six people killed in a New Year’s Eve seaplane crash in Australia, police said Monday, with the passengers all British tourists.
The plane went down Sunday in the Hawkesbury River near the suburb of Cowan some 50 kilometres (31 miles) north of Sydney, as New Year’s revellers on the banks watched in shock.
The bodies of all of those on board — one pilot and five passengers — have been recovered from the wreckage with police confirming all but the pilot were from the UK.
“We have… been in contact with the UK and we can confirm that the persons involved in this matter, along with the pilot, were visitors from overseas,” New South Wales detective superintendent Mark Hutchings told reporters.
The cause of the accident remains unknown with the investigation ongoing.
Witnesses recalled seeing the aircraft, a DHC-2 Beaver Seaplane which was heading to Rose Bay in Sydney Harbour, do a sharp turn before plummeting straight into the water.
A rescue helicopter spotted debris and an oil slick after the crash.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, whose father died in a light plane accident, paid his respects to the families of those killed.
“We grieve for those who’ve lost their lives, and again, our thoughts and prayers are with their families as they come to terms with this terrible loss,” he said.
The flight company Sydney Seaplanes has suspended its operations until further notice.
The firm has been popular with celebrities and recent passengers have included Pippa Middleton, sister of the Duchess of Cambridge, and husband James Matthews during their honeymoon in Australia.
