What happened
The incident involved a seaplane operating in the waters near Saint Lucia. During the flight, the aircraft suffered a mechanical issue that resulted in a complete loss of power from its engine. This critical failure necessitated an immediate emergency landing on the water surface to ensure the safety of those on board.
Following the initial touchdown on the water, the seaplane did not remain stable in open water. Instead, it drifted toward a nearby submerged reef structure. The contact with the reef caused the hull to breach or become compromised, leading to the eventual sinking of the aircraft. Despite the severity of the mechanical failure and the subsequent loss of the airframe, all individuals on board survived the event without sustaining any injuries.
Findings
The official investigation identified the primary factor behind the accident as an engine failure. This mechanical malfunction was the direct cause of the emergency landing and the subsequent sequence of events that led to the aircraft sinking. No other contributing factors were cited in the available findings, and the event resulted in zero casualties.