Six killed in Australian seaplane crash

Dec. 31 (UPI) -- A pilot and five passengers were killed when their single-engine seaplane crashed in Australia's Hawkesbury River near the suburb of Cowan Sunday afternoon local time.

CNN cited the New South Wales Police Force as saying there were no survivors of the mishap and all six bodies have been recovered from the crash site.

The identities of the victims have not been disclosed to the media and the incident is under investigation by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.

The BBC said it has not been able to confirm reports stating the casualties included an 11-year-old boy, the pilot and four British nationals.

"Officials from the British consulate are in contact with local authorities in relation to a seaplane accident near Sydney. Staff are ready to provide consular assistance," the British Foreign Office said.

The aircraft belonged to the tourism company Sydney Seaplanes.