Seaplane crash in Australia: Six dead

Six people have died after a single-engine seaplane crashed into the Hawkesbury river near the suburb of Cowan , New South Wales, 30 miles north of Sydney, Australia.

Police divers have so far recovered six bodies from the wreckage, 13m of water. The casualties included an 11-year-old boy, the pilot and four British nationals.

The seaplane was part of scenic flight company Sydney Seaplanes.

According to an eyewitness “ the seaplane made a tight right-hand turn and as it actually turned around, the wings dipped and nosedived straight into the water”.

Recovery operations are continuing according to acting Superintendent Michael Gorman

Debris and an oil slick was spotted by a rescue helicopter soon after the crash.

Sydney Seaplanes are popular with celebrities and their recent passengers in the past included Pippa Middleton, sister of Duchess of Cambridge and husband James Matthews during their Australia honeymoon.

The accident happened hours before Sydney Harbour was set to be lit up in a spectacular fireworks display to welcome the new year.