2 Planes Collide off the Coast of Alaska

A photo of Ketchican, Alaska, from a seaplane is seen here in 2007.
Jeff Greenberg/Getty Images

At least four people were killed in the midair collision.

A terrifying midair collision over some of the world's most spectacular scenery left at least four people dead. 

Two sightseeing planes, carrying a total of 14 passengers plus two pilots, collided Monday off the coast of Ketchican in Alaska and immediately fell to the water below. A number of people were rescued, but two remain missing. 

The passengers onboard the planes were from the cruise ship the Royal Princess. Ten guests, as well as a pilot, were on board a de Havilland Otter seaplane operated by Taquan Air, while the other plane was a de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver carrying four passengers and a pilot

Pictures showed rescuers bringing survivors onto a dock to nearby ambulances. 

“We are deeply saddened to report this news and our thoughts and prayers are with those who lost their lives and the families impacted by today’s accident,” Princess Cruises said in a statement. 

The 10 rescued passengers are receiving treatment at PeaceHealth Ketchikan Medical Center. 

The U.S. Coast Guard said in a statement it was "unaware" of why the two planes collided but is investigating.

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