Reports have confirmed that the De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver seaplane operated by Sydney Seaplanes was the same model of aircraft that crashed in Canada in 2015.

The wreckage of the seaplane, which crashed into the Hawkesbury river 30 miles north of Sydney killing all six people onboard, has yet to be recovered by Australian authorities.

Richard Cousins, chief executive of catering group Compass, was killed alongside four members of his family, while Australian pilot Gareth Morgan also died in the incident. The British family had been on holiday in Australia.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau said in a statement: “Shortly after take-off, the aircraft collided with the water and sank a few minutes later. None of the aircraft’s occupants survived the accident.  

“A final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation. However, should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties.

“A preliminary factual report into the accident will be released in approximately 30 days.”