Six Presumed Dead After Medical Transport Plane Vanishes Off US Coast
US Coast Guard ends search for survivors after debris field located off Nantucket.
The US Coast Guard has suspended its search for survivors after a medical transport aircraft carrying six people went missing off the coast of Nantucket, Massachusetts. The aircraft's operator, Latitude Air Ambulance, stated that the four crew members, the patient, and the patient's family escort are presumed dead.
The Gulfstream G-100 plane lost contact with the Federal Aviation Administration shortly after 1 a.m. local time on Saturday. The aircraft had departed from Bermuda's L.F. Wade International Airport late Friday night and was scheduled to land at Boston's Logan International Airport. Flight data indicated a significant drop in altitude before communications were lost.
Authorities located a debris field confirmed to be from the aircraft on Saturday evening. The flight was carrying four Canadian nationals and two Bermudian nationals.
Latitude Air Ambulance, a Canadian company that provides international medical flights, confirmed the identities of those aboard and expressed condolences to their families. "Our thoughts are first and foremost with their families, loved ones, friends, and colleagues," the company said in a statement. "We will honour our colleagues by remembering the care, professionalism, and commitment they brought to their work every day."
Transmissions suggest the pilot declared an emergency due to an issue that rendered them unable to communicate effectively with air traffic control. An area fire dispatcher had requested emergency crews prepare to meet a plane reporting an "electrical issue" just after 1 a.m., noting shortly thereafter that the aircraft had lost radio and radar contact.
Latitude Air Ambulance stated it will continue to cooperate with authorities during ongoing recovery efforts and investigations into the cause of the incident.