Rottnest Island plane crash: Pilot James Wong remembered by partner Angela Cloeraine for his love of adventure

The partner of James Wong — the pilot killed in the Rottnest Island seaplane crash — has paid tribute to her adventurous and peace-loving companion. Angela Cloeraine described the 34-year-old as a “self-proclaimed seaplane tragic” whose loss was “sudden, unexpected and devastating”. “He was known for his love for adventure, exceptional knowledge on every topic and his passion for seaplanes — a self-proclaimed ‘seaplane tragic’,” she said. “His trademark skinny jeans and peace signs will never be forgotten.” Originally from NSW but living in Perth, Mr Wong was one of three people killed when the Swan River Seaplanes-owned Cessna he was flying crashed into the waters at Thomson Bay on Tuesday afternoon. Three other people were seriously injured in the crash, with one person miraculously escaping unscathed. Ms Cloeraine, who also works as a seaplane pilot at Swan River Seaplanes, first met Mr Wong when they were both based in WA. An online fundraiser launched to appeal for help for Mr Wong’s family and loved ones has so far raised more than $7000. Mr Wong’s LinkedIn shows he was first employed as a pilot in June 2019, in Hervey Bay, Queensland, and worked at various scenic flight companies in Queensland, including Air Whitsunday and Hamilton Island Air. In March 2023, he came to WA to work for Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures in Broome. The other fatalities in Tuesday’s crash were a 65-year-old Swiss woman and a 60-year-old man from Denmark — both on holiday with their respective partners. The survivors were a couple from WA — a 63-year-old man and a 65-year-old woman — a 63-year-old Swiss man, and a 58-year-old Danish woman, Hanna Esmee Duer, who was at Royal Perth Hospital with a serious hand injury on Wednesday night.