A seaplane crashed into the Hawkesbury River north of Sydney, crashed on Sunday killing 6 people.
The crash happened near Cowan 50 kilometres (31 miles) north of Sydney. Superintendent Michael Gorman of the police in New South Wales state said the single-engine aircraft was lying in 13 metres (43 feet) of water.
Unconfirmed reports say the casualties included an 11-year-old boy, the pilot and four British nationals.
The aircraft was believed to be a DHC-2 Beaver Seaplane returning from Rose Bay in Sydney Harbour.
The British Foreign Office stated “Officials from the British consulate are in contact with local authorities in relation to a seaplane accident near Sydney. Staff are ready to provide consular assistance.”
Myles Baptiste an eyewitness, told the broadcaster of 9News that the plane was 500m (1,640ft) from him when it hit the water.
“It made a tight right-hand turn and as it actually turned around, the wings dipped and it nosedived straight into the water,”
Debris and an oil slick were spotted by rescue helicopter’s after the crash, local media reported the aircraft was from a sightseeing flight company called Sydney Seaplanes. Sydney Seaplanes is popular with celebrities, Pippa Middleton, sister of the Duchess of Cambridge, and husband James Matthews reportedly used the service during their honeymoon in Australia. The firm has stated it was suspending all operations until further notice and was helping police with the investigation into the cause of the crash.
“All at Sydney Seaplanes are deeply shocked by this incident and the resulting loss of life. We wish to pass on our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the passengers and pilot who were tragically killed,” the company said in a statement.
The incident happened just hours before The Sydney Harbor was scheduled to light up in a new years fireworks display