US Coast Guard suspends search for missing air ambulance from Bermuda
Key Points(5)
- Bermuda Premier David Burt said he remains hopeful that all six people aboard an air ambulance aircraft that disappeared after leaving Bermuda for the United States will be found, despite the U.S.
- Coast Guard's decision to suspend its search.
- The aircraft, a Gulfstream G100 jet operated by Hamilton-based medical evacuation company Latitude Air Ambulance, departed Bermuda in the early hours of Saturday.
- It was carrying two Bermudians and four Canadians.
- Coast Guard Northeast District announced Sunday night that it had suspended the search after crews located an extensive debris field about 20 miles off Nantucket, Massachusetts.
Bermuda Premier David Burt said he remains hopeful that all six people aboard an air ambulance aircraft that disappeared after leaving Bermuda for the United States will be found, despite the U.S. Coast Guard's decision to suspend its search.
The aircraft, a Gulfstream G100 jet operated by Hamilton-based medical evacuation company Latitude Air Ambulance, departed Bermuda in the early hours of Saturday. It was carrying two Bermudians and four Canadians.
The U.S. Coast Guard Northeast District announced Sunday night that it had suspended the search after crews located an extensive debris field about 20 miles off Nantucket, Massachusetts.
“Suspending a search is not an easy decision. We express our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones affected by the tragedy and our gratitude for our partner agencies who helped support search effort,” said Rear Adm. Matthew Lake, commander of the Northeast District.
Burt said the Bermuda government remains in contact with relevant authorities and is continuing to monitor developments.
“The Government of Bermuda continues to monitor the situation and remains in contact with relevant authorities. All of Bermuda’s thoughts remain with the individuals on board, their families and loved ones,” the government said in a statement.
The identities of those aboard have not been made public.
Burt said in an earlier statement that he was praying for the safe recovery of all six people aboard the aircraft and thanked search-and-rescue crews for their efforts.
“We are praying that all six people will be found safe, and we thank the search and rescue crews for their continuing effort,” he said.
According to the Coast Guard, the search covered 4,445 square miles of ocean over approximately 66 hours. Air traffic controllers reported that the pilot had declared an emergency because of electrical issues before the aircraft was lost.
The debris field was described as extensive and was located in waters about 80 to 90 feet deep. Coast Guard officials said the amount of debris made it difficult to determine exactly what was in the field.
Capt. John McTamney said weather conditions had been favorable for the search.
“We will continue to search and saturate the area until we’re at the point that, if there were any survivors remaining on the surface of the water, we would have found them,” he said.
The Coast Guard said investigative authorities will coordinate a future investigation into the cause of the incident.
Lake said the Coast Guard was also working with Massachusetts authorities to bring a vessel with sonar capabilities into the area to scan the seafloor.
“I want you to know that my thoughts and those of every Coast Guard crew member are with the people on that aircraft, their families, their friends and their loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” Lake said.
