The United States Coast Guard has launched a joint air and surface search operation for a missing air ambulance that disappeared while en route from Bermuda to Boston. The aircraft, a Gulfstream jet registered in Canada, went silent early Saturday morning during the flight, which was carrying four crew members and two passengers.
According to the US Federal Aviation Administration, contact with the plane was lost before authorities could confirm its whereabouts. Data from flight tracking service FlightAware indicates the aircraft departed Bermuda’s LF Wade International Airport at 12:41 am local time. It had been cruising at an altitude of 24,000 feet when it began a rapid descent of approximately 13,000 feet over a two-minute period just prior to losing communication.
Audio from air traffic control, released by LiveATC.net, captured the final moments of contact. A controller asked the pilot, “Roger, you said you’re coming in blind. Is that what you said?” The pilot’s response was not audible in the recording. The controller subsequently confirmed that the pilot had declared an emergency immediately before contact was lost.
Coast Guard spokespersons told Reuters that rescue teams were dispatched to the area near Nantucket, an island community located south of mainland Massachusetts. The National Transportation Safety Board stated it was gathering information on Saturday morning but offered no further details regarding the incident.
Bermuda airport operator Skyport confirmed that all six individuals on board were aboard when the jet departed overnight. Canadian Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon revealed via social media that four of those on the plane were Canadian citizens.
“We are closely monitoring the situation and are working with the relevant authorities as search and rescue efforts continue,” MacKinnon wrote.
Bermuda Premier David Burt expressed his concerns in a statement posted on Instagram, noting that the government is in contact with both US authorities and the families of the passengers. “We are praying that all six people will be found safe,” he said.
The aircraft is owned and operated by Latitude Air Ambulance, a company based in Ontario that specializes in medical evacuation services. As of Saturday, the company had not responded to requests for comment.
Four Canadians on board—my heart goes out to their families. This is absolutely heartbreaking news.
A rapid descent before contact lost? That flight data looks concerning. Hope investigators get answers quickly.
Six people missing is terrifying. Praying for a miracle and swift recovery for the crew and passengers near Nantucket.