31 Dec 2017

Six dead after seaplane crash north of Sydney

11:01 pm on 31 December 2017

The bodies of six people have been recovered after a seaplane crashed into Jerusalem Bay near the town of Cowan, north of Sydney.

Police say the plane went down about 3:15pm today (local time) at Jerusalem Bay near the town of Cowan.

The seaplane was returning a party of five people from the Cottage Point Inn Restaurant to Rose Bay in Sydney's east when it crashed into the water.

Debris and an oil slick have been found on the surface where the plane went down.

Numerous rescue vessels, including NSW Police divers and NSW Ambulance helicopters, attended the scene.

The crashed aircraft was operated by Sydney Seaplanes.

Aaron Shaw, the company's managing director, confirmed one pilot and five passengers were on board.

The journey from Cottage Point to Rose Bay would normally take 20 minutes.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau will investigate the incident.

- ABC