Plane sinks after ending up in lagoon off Weno airport in Federated States of Micronesia

All of the passengers who were on board a plane that ended in the lagoon off Weno airport in Chuuk in the Federated States of Micronesia have been confirmed as being safe.

An airport official from the Federated States of Micronesia's Division of Civil Aviation confirmed that an Air Niugini plane crash landed in Chuuk this morning.

According to Chuuk Airport Manager, Jimmy Emilio 36 passengers and 11 crew members are all safe.

Passengers and crew were at the hospital undergoing checkups and serious injuries were reported, he said.

Boats had surrounded the now submerged plane when it first ended up in the lagoon to rescue passengers and crew.

It is not known whether the aircraft was trying to land or take off.

The Boeing 737‑800 was scheduled to stop in Chuuk on its way from Pohnpei to Port Moresby.

Air Niugini management staff are currently in a crisis meeting.

[Source: RNZ]