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Plane crashes into waters off Shark Island in Sydney Harbour

Emergency responders have rushed to the aid of the passengers.

Plane crashes into Sydney Harbour

Dramatic scene have unfolded as emergency services respond to a seaplane that crashed in Sydney Harbour.

It is understood the plane was in the process of taking off and had not made it far into the air when it ran into some problems.

It crashed soon after near Shark Island, near Rose Bay, shortly before 11.45am on Thursday.

The passengers were transported back to a boat shed.

Incredibly, no one was injured during the incident.

Efforts are underway to remove the Sydney Seaplanes plane after it crashed. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nikki Short
Efforts are underway to remove the Sydney Seaplanes plane after it crashed. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nikki Short

Eye witness Warren saw the crash unfolding after he spotted the plane was having issues taking off about 500m from the Rose Bay ferry stop.

“The seaplane had just taken off or was in the process of taking off and crashed into the water,” Warren told 2GB radio on Thursday.

“One of the floats came off the side of plane but everybody was evacuated safely.”

The passengers were rescued by emergency services. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift
The passengers were rescued by emergency services. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift
Authorities were called to assist after the sea plane crashed near Shark Island. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift
Authorities were called to assist after the sea plane crashed near Shark Island. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift
The sea plane is a popular tourist attraction to see Sydney Harbour from the air. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift
The sea plane is a popular tourist attraction to see Sydney Harbour from the air. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift

While the reason for the crash is yet to be determined, authorities believe the plane was attempting to take off when an inflatable part of the aircraft burst.

The seaplane company reportedly quickly attended the scene to ensure passengers had life jackets before they were evacuated by boat.

The Port Authority have also arrived on scene to assist.

Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/latest-news/plane-crashes-into-waters-off-shark-island-in-sydney-harbour/news-story/b5bd89b28ae385e9fff3c1d15709bd49