Four people have been rescued after a seaplane crashed into the water at Rottnest Island, triggering a major emergency response off the Perth coast.
However, it is understood the privately-owned Cessna 208 had up to seven people onboard when it crashed while taking off about 4pm on Tuesday.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Seaplane crashes at Rottnest Island.
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Four people have been rescued from the water, with two of those women aged in their 40s who are now being treated for serious injuries. A third survivor was pictured being put into an ambulance.
Police Commissioner Col Blanch said it “appears the plane has hit Phillip Rock at the entrance to Thomson Bay”.
“Water Police and a number of civilian vessels provided immediate aid in an attempt to assist in the rescue,” Blanch said.
“This is very much an unfolding incident and we are working to assert the details, including how many people were on the plane.
“I can confirm that four people have been recovered from the water but their condition is unknown.
“I do want to reassure the community that we have significant resources on scene and we are doing everything that we can.
“There have been a number of members of the public who did not hesitate to assist and I do thank them for their efforts.”
The wreck of the plane was pictured bobbing in the water.
Witness Anna Connolly had gone to the beach for a swim and noticed the plane struggling to take off.
“It took ages to get off the water but then right towards the end it just really didn’t look (good),” she told 7NEWS.
“We had a feeling, everyone thought something was wrong, it didn’t look very good at all.”
Bella Rawlings was with Connolly and said that once the wind got under the wing it “picked it up and nose-dived it into the water”.
WA Premier Roger Cook said the emergency was “deeply concerning”.
“My thoughts are with all those affected, and I want to thank our first responders who are attending to the crash site,” he said.
Another visitor on the island told 7NEWS.com.au there was a flurry of police activity.
She said tourists are still boarding ferries off the island.
Rottnest Island is a summer playground for West Aussies and tourists alike, known for its iconic quokka population.
– More to come . . .