December 19, 2005
19 Killed in Seaplane Crash Off of Miami Beach
The latest Coast Guard report says all 19 people are dead. The Chalk's Ocean Airways propeller plane was carrying 16 passengers (three infants) and three crew members. Much of the afternoon was labeled a rescue effort and now it is strictly a recovery effort. Observers reported seeing the plane a blaze before taking a nose dive into the water near Government Cut. Eye witness surfers said they could feel the heat from the plane. According to the Chalk's website, Ocean Airways is the world's oldest scheduled airline, and offers deluxe 17 seat Mallard aircraft for charter purposes. One of its planes was hijacked to Cuba in 1974 and the company has since had a policy of not carrying enough fuel to get to Havana. Royal Carribbean's Majesty of the Seas scheduled to leave at 5pm is delayed and Carnival Cruise Lines issued a statement saying they are not canceling but delaying cruises that leave from the area.