The pilot who died after the seaplane he was flying with six passengers on board crashed into the ocean at a popular tourist spot has been identified.
The Cessna 208, operated by Swan River Seaplanes, plunged into the water near Thompson Bay on Rottnest Island, 19 kilometers off the coast of Perth, shortly after taking off on Tuesday afternoon.
Pilot James Wong, 34, and two international tourists, a 65-year-old Swiss woman and a Danish man, died in the crash witnessed by dozens of shocked beachgoers.
The victims were recovered from the submerged wreckage by police divers on Tuesday night.
Three of the four other surviving passengers suffered serious injuries and were airlifted to hospital, where they remain in stable condition. The other was unharmed.
Originally from Frenchs Forest on Sydney’s northern beaches, Wong was an experienced pilot, according to his LinkedIn bio.
His aviation career began as a line pilot for Air Fraser Island in Hervey Bay in June 2019.
He went on to work for several scenic flight operators in North Queensland including Air Whitsunday Seaplanes and Hamilton Island Air.
James Wong, 34, (pictured) died when the privately owned Cessna 208 plunged into the water near Thompson Bay on Rottnest Island on Tuesday afternoon.
In March 2023, he moved across the country to join Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures in the Kimberley region of WA before heading to Perth to work for Swan River Seaplanes.
The company has since hailed Mr. Wong as a highly valued employee.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of James, a talented and dedicated pilot who was an integral and deeply loved member of our team,” Swan River Seaplanes director Kristy Bailey said in a statement.
‘Our hearts and thoughts are with his family, friends and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
“We are equally devastated by the injuries and loss of the two passengers on board, and extend our deepest condolences to their families and all those mourning this unimaginable tragedy.”
Mr. Wong also loved the outdoors. Photos on his Instagram page show him rock climbing and visiting beaches and coastal locations with friends.
One photo shows him flying a seaplane in an unknown location.
A former co-worker described Mr Wong’s death as “devastating news for the seaplane community”.
‘Rest easy, James. “It was a pleasure to have met you and to have flown with you,” he wrote.
The two murdered international tourists were on vacation with their partners.
Earlier today, the wreckage of the Swan River Seaplane was pulled from the water (pictured)
It comes as more debris from the plane was recovered from the water for forensic examination on Wednesday.
Investigators recovered two parts of the plane, including the pontoon, which was found several kilometers from the crash site. WA today reported.
The four surviving passengers include a 63-year-old Swiss man, a 58-year-old Danish woman and a Western Australian couple in their 60s.
Shocked tourists on Rottnest Island on Tuesday described the moment the plane crashed and the chaotic scenes that followed.
The tip of the plane’s wing struck the water before the plane plunged nose-first into the ocean at Phillip Rock at the entrance to Thompson Bay.
Conflicting video showed the Cessna 208 struggling to take off moments before the crash.
Other spectators reported seeing the plane moving from side to side moments before the left wing hit the water.
“It took me a long time to get out of the water, but towards the end it didn’t really look (good),” Anna Connolly said. Seven news.
“We had the feeling that everyone thought something was wrong, it didn’t look very good.”
Police are working with passengers who survived the crash to understand why the plane plummeted moments after takeoff.
Originally from Sydney’s northern beaches, James Wong (pictured) was an experienced pilot.
Shocked tourists described the devastating scenes that followed the crash (pictured) after the plane plunged nose-first into the ocean.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has launched a separate investigation into the accident.
“Investigators will also attempt to interview people on board, as well as other witnesses and involved parties, and collect relevant recorded information, including available flight tracking data, as well as pilot and aircraft maintenance records and weather information.”
Authorities are still working to recover all debris from the water.
WA Police Commissioner Colonel Blanch said parts of the wreckage were still submerged eight meters below the ocean surface.
A 200 meter exclusion zone has been established around the accident site and will remain in place until the submerged wreckage can be recovered.