Six die in Miami seaplane crash

A seaplane carrying at least 16 people crashed off Miami Beach today within sight of the city’s high-rises, and at least six people were killed, US authorities said.

Scuba divers and rescuers in speedboats struggled to reach the victims.

The propeller-driven Chalk’s Ocean Airways plane went down around 2:30 pm (7.30pm Irish Time).

“We’re still trying to get people out of the water,” said Javier Otero, Miami Beach Fire Department support services chief.

Rescuers in boats and helicopters searched for victims and were joined by others in private boats, on Jet Skis and on surfboards.

Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr Chris O’Neil said at least six bodies were recovered.

A witness, Frank Amadeo, said he saw a huge explosion in the sky and the plane fall behind a condominium tower on Biscayne Bay in Miami Beach.

The Coast Guard said the cause of the crash was not immediately known, and it could not confirm whether there had been an explosion.

Chalk’s Ocean Airways was founded in 1919.

Its floating planes take off on the water and its aircraft have been featured in TV shows such as “Miami Vice.”