The U.S. Coast Guard launched an extensive search off the coast of Nantucket, Massachusetts, on Saturday. They are searching for a missing Canadian air ambulance carrying six people. The plane vanished during a medical evacuation flight from Bermuda to Boston.
The Federal Aviation Administration issued a search-and-rescue alert notice around 1:20 a.m. Saturday for the Canadian-registered Gulfstream G100 jet. Its tail number is C-GRJP. Air traffic controllers lost radar and radio contact with the aircraft.
Flight records showed the aircraft was operated by Latitude Air Ambulance. It departed L.F. Wade International Airport in Bermuda at 11:41 p.m. Friday. The flight carried four crew members and two passengers. Canadian officials confirmed that four of the individuals onboard are Canadian citizens.
Emergency Declaration and Radar Loss
Air traffic audio obtained by ABC News reveals the jet was in contact with New York controllers when it declared an emergency. The controller struggled to hear the pilots and repeatedly asked them to confirm their messages and altitude.
The air ambulance stopped responding entirely. The controller then asked a nearby Ethiopian Airlines flight to attempt contact, but there was still no response. A source with knowledge of the investigation told ABC News that officials believe the plane rapidly descended 7,500 feet before hitting the water.
Clarence Togeretz, the director of flight operations at Latitude Air Ambulance, spoke to NBC News. He noted that the company monitors its flights closely. “We always get rather concerned when our crew doesn’t report to us in a timely manner,” Togeretz said. “But I will say that again, optimistically and positively, that doesn’t mean that the worst has happened.”
Search and Rescue Operations Off Nantucket
The U.S. Coast Guard deployed multiple air and surface rescue crews to the waters south of Nantucket, Massachusetts. This location is roughly 100 miles south of Boston. The Federal Aviation Administration is actively coordinating its efforts with the Rescue Coordination Center and the Coast Guard.
The Massachusetts Port Authority operates Boston Logan International Airport. It confirmed the aircraft never arrived as scheduled. A port authority spokesperson released a brief statement: “Our thoughts are with those onboard and their loved ones as the search continues.”
Sources with knowledge of the investigation indicated there were no American citizens onboard the aircraft. Authorities have not yet publicly released formal identifications for the six occupants.
Investigation and Next Steps
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced on Saturday that it was actively gathering information regarding the missing Gulfstream G100 jet. Federal investigators are working with Canadian aviation authorities to determine the exact sequence of events leading up to the loss of radar contact.
Search operations continue off the Massachusetts coastline. Rescue teams face challenging marine conditions while scanning the area where the aircraft is believed to have made its rapid descent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of aircraft went missing off Massachusetts?
The missing aircraft is a Canadian-registered Gulfstream G100 jet with the tail number C-GRJP. It is operated by Latitude Air Ambulance.
How many people were onboard the flight?
There were six people onboard the air ambulance. This total includes four crew members and two passengers.
Where was the flight traveling from and to?
The medical evacuation flight departed from L.F. Wade International Airport in Bermuda and was traveling to Boston, Massachusetts.
Where is the Coast Guard searching?
The U.S. Coast Guard is focusing its search operations in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Nantucket, Massachusetts.
What caused the plane to go missing?
Investigators are still examining the exact cause. Preliminary reports indicate the aircraft declared an emergency with air traffic controllers, rapidly descended 7,500 feet, and then lost all radio and radar contact.
