Holland America Cruise Ship Deaths: 9 Killed During Shore Excursion Plane Crash In Alaska

Nine people were killed while participating in a Holland America Line shore excursion in Alaska. Eight cruise passengers were on an Alaskan sightseeing tour offered through the Holland America shore excursion program when the accident took place. All eight cruise ship passengers and the pilot died when the Otter aircraft smashed into the side of a cliff in southeast Alaska just above Ella Lake. The cruise line has acknowledged the deaths and says they are “incredibly distressed” by the loss and note that they are providing their “full support” to the travel companions and families of those lost in the horrific accident.

Fox News reports that the Holland America Line Westerdam cruise ship was on a seven-day cruise to Alaska from Seattle when the incident took place. The ship was scheduled to leave port at 1:00pm; however, the eight guests from the Promech Air shore excursion had not returned. At 2:15pm the coast guard received a report that the plane was overdue and an emergency locator transmitter was activated. Shortly after the call, a helicopter pilot spotted the downed aircraft 800 miles southeast of Anchorage above Ella Lake. The plane was found against a granite rock face.

Unfortunately, efforts to retrieve the victims’ bodies were unsuccessful as difficult terrain and poor weather conditions made the recovery too dangerous. The Daily Mail notes that recovery efforts will resume today.

According to the Holland America shore excursion guide, the Promech Air excursion is supposed to last 75-minutes. The excursion details claim that guests will hop aboard a tour optimized floatplane for a sightseeing tour over Ketchikan and the “enchanted region of the Inside Passage.” The guide notes that each trip will include landing on the surface of a lake or fjord.

“On Promech Air’s Misty Fjords Floatplane Tour, you will board one of our expertly-maintained and tour optimized floatplanes, taking off to soar above the city of Ketchikan and begin your flightseeing journey to the most enchanted region of the Inside Passage.”

Promech has released a statement about the accident noting that there is nothing they can say to alleviate the pain associated with the crash but say their thoughts and prayers are going out to everyone involved.

“There is nothing I can say that can alleviate the pain and overwhelming sense of loss that we and the loved ones of those affected are feeling. At this moment, all of us share the pain and anguish of this terrible event. Our thoughts and our prayers go out to everyone touched by this tragedy.”

Promech says that the crash happened about 11.20am, and the plane was one of five Otter aircraft in its fleet. The names of the victims of the Holland America shore excursion accident have not been released and an investigation into the crash is underway.

[Image Credit: Holland America]