A seaplane pilot sent texts about 'rough' conditions prior ... Passengers described conditions onboard the vessel and pontoon as rough and windy,' the report said of the return flight from the island.

Many think of seaplanes as things of the past – relics of a bygone age of Pan Am Clippers and Short Sunderland flying boats that have have slowly disappeared, leaving only a few tiny float ...

It is also known as a floatplane or amphibious aircraft. Seaplanes use floats or pontoons instead of wheels. Seaplanes can land on lakes, rivers, and oceans. There are two main types of seaplanes.