Vancouver police investigating attempted seaplane theft that left several aircraft damaged

Vancouver police are investigating after a man allegedly tried to steal a seaplane and crashed it into two other aircraft in Coal Harbour.

Vancouver police say they were called to the scene around 3:30 a.m.

Police say the alleged thief, who remains at large, fled on foot after crashing the plane.

“Witnesses say the plane did not take off,” said Vancouver police Const. Tania Visintin.

“He attempted to steal the plane and he never got airborne. He remained, I guess taxiing on the water.”

Photos from the scene show a Harbour Air seaplane with one of its wings badly damaged, and a smaller, Seair seaplane with a wing completely sheared off.

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Visnitin said the aircraft did not require keys to start.

Harbour Air said the stolen aircraft belonged to another company, Seair, but that two of its own aircraft were damaged.

“The safety and security of passengers is our priority. While some morning flights were re-routed to our Richmond (YVR South) terminal, all flights are now operating,” said spokesperson Samantha Kent in an email.

Global News has requested comment from Seair.