Boston (United States): Debris from a medical plane carrying six people, which lost contact while flying from Bermuda to Boston, has been found off the US coast, the US Coast Guard confirmed.
At around 2 a.m. on Saturday (local time), the Federal Aviation Administration notified the Coast Guard that contact had been lost with the Gulfstream G100 aircraft with tail number C-GRJP.
The Coast Guard said its air and surface crews were searching an area off the coast of Nantucket.
The plane was operated by Latitude Air Ambulance, a Canadian medical evacuation company.
In its latest update, the Coast Guard said, “The US Coast Guard is continuing to search Saturday for six people aboard a missing medical transport aircraft after search crews located a debris field confirmed to be from the aircraft off the coast of Nantucket.”
Six people onboard medical plane
The Coast Guard confirmed that six people were aboard the aircraft — four Canadian nationals and two Bermudian nationals.
“Next of kin have been notified,” officials said.
“Coast Guard search crews located a debris field that has been confirmed to be associated with the missing aircraft. Crews are continuing to search for the six people who were aboard the aircraft, and the Coast Guard cutter William Sparling will continue search efforts throughout the night,” the Coast Guard added.
The search operation remains underway off the coast of Nantucket.
Plane lost altitude before contact was lost
FlightAware’s tracker showed that the plane significantly dropped in altitude before communications went dark. The aircraft descended from around 7,300 metres (24,000 feet) to 3,300 metres (11,000 feet).
According to air traffic control audio posted by LiveATC.net, the pilot had reported electrical problems and declared an emergency as the jet approached the coast.
“Roger, you said you’re coming in blind. Is that what you said?” a controller was heard asking the pilot.
“Are you declaring an emergency, or no?” the pilot’s response was inaudible.
However, the air traffic controller later confirmed that the pilot had declared an emergency.
Canadian authorities monitoring situation
Canadian Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon said authorities were closely monitoring the situation.
“My thoughts are with everyone on board, as well as their families, loved ones and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time. We are closely monitoring the situation and are working with the relevant authorities as search and rescue efforts continue. I want to thank all first responders involved for their ongoing efforts,” MacKinnon said in a post on X.
Search and rescue efforts for the six people onboard are continuing.