A coordinated rescue effort involving Kent Police officers, Puget Sound Firefighters, and local residents took place on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024, following a seaplane crash into Lake Meridian.
As we previously reported, the pilot – who was trapped in the submerged aircraft – was heroically pulled from the wreckage and received immediate medical attention, though his current condition remains unknown.
After the crash, boaters on the lake quickly rushed to the scene to prevent the plane from sinking further. They did not see anyone exiting the plane, so they devised a plan to pull it towards shore to keep it from sinking.
Upon his arrival, Kent Police Officer Burns received assistance from lakeside resident Mr. Pozzi, who transported him by boat to the crash site. Without hesitation, Officer Burns removed his uniform and dove into the water alongside Puget Sound Firefighters Captain Brent Flatness and Engineer Wilkins Melgaard.
The team took turns diving down to the cockpit, which was submerged with the pilot still inside. After several attempts, they successfully broke into the cockpit and extracted the pilot. CPR was initiated on the Kent Police boat by Officer Brennen, while Officer Heyne navigated the boat to the shore where additional fire personnel continued life-saving efforts.
Officer Burns made one final dive to ensure there were no other passengers trapped in the wreckage. The pilot was transported by medics to a local hospital, and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently investigating the crash.
Authorities commended the quick-thinking residents and boaters who sprang into action, calling 911 and offering assistance at the crash site.
“We could not be more thankful for the quick-thinking boaters who immediately responded to the crash site, and the persons on shore who called 911 and gave clear and calm information,” police said. “We don’t have all your names, but please understand our first responders all saw your actions to help them, and they are profoundly grateful.
“We also want to acknowledge the bravery of our Officer and Fire Fighters who jumped into the water and took turns diving down to extract the pilot. He was transported via Medics to a local hospital.”
