Search Efforts Underway for Missing Medical Jet
A medical jet carrying six individuals has disappeared near Nantucket while en route from Bermuda to Boston. The incident occurred early Saturday morning, prompting an immediate response from the U.S. Coast Guard and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Details of the Incident
According to the Coast Guard, contact was lost with the Gulfstream G-100 aircraft around 1 a.m. local time, leading officials to issue a Search and Rescue Alert Notice.
The aircraft, registered to Latitude Air Ambulance in Canada, had departed from Bermuda’s L.F. Wade International Airport at approximately 11:40 p.m. ET on Friday. It had four crew members and two passengers on board, four of whom are confirmed to be Canadian nationals. Transport Minister Steve MacKinnon expressed his thoughts for the safety of those on board and their families during this critical time.
Search and Rescue Operations
The search operation is being conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard, utilizing an array of assets including:
- HC-144 Ocean Sentry airplane
- HC-130 Hercules airplane
- MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter
- 47-foot Motor Lifeboat
- FRC William Sparling, a Sentinel-class fast response cutter
The Coast Guard indicated that the search efforts would persist throughout the night until further instructions were issued.
Official Statements and Ongoing Monitoring
Bermuda’s government has been in communication with the families of those onboard, with Premier David Burt issuing a statement expressing hope for the safe recovery of all individuals involved and gratitude to the rescue teams.
Flight data reveal that the plane lost altitude rapidly after approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes of flying, dropping from 24,000 feet to 11,000 feet prior to the loss of contact.
