6 dead as seaplane crashes into Sydney river

Six people have died after a seaplane crashed into a river in Australia some 30 miles (50km) north of Sydney.

The crash happened on the Hawkesbury River near the suburb of Cowan.

Police divers have recovered six bodies from the wreckage, which is lying in 13m (43ft) of water.

Unconfirmed reports say the casualties included an 11-year-old boy, the pilot and four British nationals. The aircraft belonged to scenic flight company Sydney Seaplanes.

Investigators do not yet know why the plane crashed.

Acting Superintendent Michael Gorman said the "recovery operation continues" at the site where the single-engine aircraft crashed.

The British Foreign Office said: “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.”

An eyewitness, Myles Baptiste, told the broadcaster 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,” he said.

A woman at the scene told local TV the weather had been "a bit bumpy" but "nothing to be concerned about".

It is not yet clear whether divers will be able to recover the seaplane itself on Sunday or will have to wait until Monday.

Source: BBC