Seaplane carrying 9 crashes during landing

A Manta Air seaplane carrying passengers from a resort to Velana International Airport has crashed into the water during landing.

Manta Air has issued a statement confirming the accident.

According to Manta, the seaplane, flight NR117 (8Q-RAE - DHC6 Twin Otter), departed from COMO Maalifushi to VIA carrying six passengers and three crew members.

The accident took place while landing at the VIA’s seaplane runway at approximately 07:30 am this Sunday, confirms Manta.

Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) states that all passengers and crew members have been rescued.

None of them sustained serious injuries.

One dislocated a shoulder, and another is complaining of shoulder pain, said a MNDF spokesperson.

All passengers and crew are scheduled to be transported to a hospital for a medical checkup.

MNDF officers at the scene are working on recovering the luggage.

Manta Air, meanwhile, has set up emergency numbers for relatives of the passengers to contact the airline. Families have been asked to contact the airline at +9609469911 or +9609479911 for updates.

“Our top priority now remains to provide any and all assistance to the families of the passengers and crew,” said the airline in its statement.