A seaplane crash near the B.C.-Washington border on Thursday evening resulted in an emergency landing on Sucia Island, where bystanders played a critical role in rescuing all 11 passengers and the pilot.

According to San Juan Island EMS command staff member Nathan Butler, recreational boaters arrived before first responders and coordinated efforts to extract the injured, using boats, first aid, and blankets to stabilize victims.

Two of the boaters were an off-duty medic and trauma nurse, who described their actions as 'an amazing job' that significantly improved the situation.All passengers were transported to nearby hospitals by boat and air ambulance, with one patient in critical condition.Kenmore Air confirmed the de Havilland DHC-3 Otter aircraft departed from Seattle and was involved in an accident at 5:15 p.m.PT.The U.S.Coast Guard and Canadian Coast Guard Siyay responded, while B.C.Emergency Health Services deployed air ambulances but later stood them down.The incident highlights the importance of rapid community response in remote areas, where access is limited to boats or helicopters.Authorities are investigating the cause of the emergency landing and fire, which occurred on a secluded island near the international border.