State authorities have reported the crash of a small plane near Seldovia, Alaska, resulting in the deaths of four individuals. The accident occurred on a Wednesday.

The Piper PA-24 aircraft departed from Anchorage and was nearing Seldovia airport when it crashed in Seldovia Slough close to the shoreline. The plane became submerged in approximately 15 feet of water, necessitating a delay for Alaska State Troopers and other responders to access the wreckage until the tide receded.

All four occupants of the aircraft were retrieved and declared dead. Authorities have yet to release their identities as they await notification of next of kin.

The cause of the crash is still unknown. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the incident. This crash marks the second fatal aviation accident in Alaska within a week.

Updates on this breaking story will be provided as they become available.