US Coast Guard Searches for Missing Medical Transfer Aircraft Near Nantucket

The US Coast Guard is searching for a medical transfer aircraft that was reported missing on a flight from Bermuda to Boston. The Gulfstream jet, carrying six people, was last known to be near Nantucket, an island community south of mainland Massachusetts.

According to the US Coast Guard, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) informed them early on Saturday that contact had been lost with the aircraft. The plane, registered to Latitude Air Ambulance, had departed Bermuda at 12:41 a.m. local time.

Flight tracking data from FlightAware indicated that the aircraft had been flying at 24,000 feet for a significant portion of its journey. Shortly before controllers lost contact, the plane descended 13,000 feet in approximately two minutes.

Search and Communication Efforts

The US Coast Guard has deployed both air and surface crews to the area near Nantucket to conduct search and rescue operations. Canadian Minister of Transport Steven MacKinnon stated on X that four Canadians were among the six people on board the missing aircraft. He added that authorities were closely monitoring the situation and collaborating on search and rescue efforts.

Bermuda Premier David Burt confirmed in a statement posted on Instagram that the Bermuda government is in contact with US authorities and the families of those on board. He expressed hope for the safe recovery of all six individuals.

Aircraft Details and Last Contact

Latitude Air Ambulance, the owner of the missing Gulfstream jet, is based in Ontario, Canada, and provides medical evacuation services. The company did not issue an immediate response to a request for comment regarding the incident.

An audio clip from Boston Logan International Airport, broadcast by local TV station Boston 25, reportedly captured an air traffic controller inquiring with the Gulfstream pilot, "You said you're coming in blind? Is that what you said?" The controller then asked if the plane was declaring an emergency, but no response was heard.

Weather conditions in Nantucket were reported as clear on Saturday afternoon by AccuWeather. The search for the missing aircraft and its occupants is ongoing.