The U. S. Coast Guard is currently searching for an Ontario-based air ambulance that vanished on Saturday, carrying six individuals, including four Canadians.
The Gulfstream G100 jet took off from Bermuda’s L. F. Wade International Airport and was set to arrive at Boston Logan International Airport early Saturday, according to the U. S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as reported by .
The jet C-GRJP is registered to Latitude Air Ambulance, a company based in Ontario that operates out of John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport.
The FAA stated it issued a search and rescue alert notice for the aircraft at 1:20 a. m. ET.
“The FAA is coordinating with the Rescue Coordination Center and the U. S. Coast Guard to locate the aircraft,” it mentioned.
The U. S. Coast Guard is conducting a search for the plane near Nantucket, Massachusetts, as shared by the force’s northeast division on social media platform X.
WATCH | Search ongoing for missing air ambulance carrying 4 Canadians:
Search ongoing for missing air ambulance jet carrying 4 Canadians
CBC’s Sheehan Desjardins provides us with updates from Hamilton, where Latitude Air Ambulance operates.
Five teams are involved in the search effort, including an airplane and helicopter crew from Cape Cod, a 47-foot motor lifeboat from Brant Point, and the William Sparling patrol ship.
As per flight tracking site Flight Aware, the jet dropped from about 7,300 meters down to 3,400 meters around 1 a. m. ET before stabilizing.
Nantucket Memorial Airport in Massachusetts was informed that the aircraft had reportedly declared an emergency just before losing contact, said airport spokesperson Preston Harimon in a statement on Saturday.
“Details regarding the circumstances of the incident remain unconfirmed,” Harimon said. “Nantucket Memorial Airport will not speculate on the cause of the event.”
‘Praying for a safe outcome’
The air ambulance crew – which includes two pilots and two medical staff – are all Canadian nationals, according to Clarence Togeretz, director of flight operations at Latitude.
They had traveled to Bermuda to pick up a patient along with their relative who are not Canadian citizens, Togeretz explained during a phone call with CBC.
Latitude had been monitoring this flight but lost contact around 1:30 a. m. Saturday as it neared Boston, he added.
According to Latitude’s website, they collaborate with global insurance companies and governments among others to provide medical evacuation and repatriation services. (CBC)
When they realized that the plane hadn’t landed as expected, they alerted the U. S. Coast Guard immediately as per Togeretz’s comments.
This marks Latitude Air Ambulance’s first instance of losing contact with one of its planes during operation; Togeretz noted they are “dealing with this situation positively and optimistically.”
“We’re praying for a safe outcome,” he stated.
The last recorded journey of this jet was from Hamilton to Bermuda on Friday evening based on flight history available through Flightradar24. Prior to these flights over Friday and Saturday, it had been operating within Canada throughout that week.
According to Latitude’s website information,the company partners with global insurance firms, governments, and other organizations.This includes providing essential medical evacuation services throughout various regions worldwide... The company mentions every air ambulance trip has two pilots alongside trained medical personnel equipped to handle any necessary patient care.. They operate four Gulfstream G100 jets among their fleet of ten aircrafts.
Canadian & Bermudan Officials Collaborating
The Canadian government is “closely monitoring” developments regarding this situation while working alongside U. S authorities amid ongoing search efforts stated Federal Minister of Transportation Steven Mac Kinnon via X post today.
“My thoughts go out towards everyone aboard-alongside their families, loved ones, and colleagues-during these incredibly challenging moments ahead.” He expressed his sentiments while keeping updates frequent through social media channels utilized by officials themselves!..
Global Affairs Canada confirmed awareness regarding reports indicating missing Canadians involved onboard one such Latitude Air Ambulances recently noted after news broke yesterday afternoon. Consular officials stand ready providing assistance accordingly-as well being actively engaged communication lines established directly connecting local authorities involved matters surrounding aviation safety investigations ongoing now!.
Bermuda’s government remains dedicated contacting families impacted directly offering support necessary throughout distressing times encountered thus far too; Premier David Burt emphasized importance sharing empathy publicly touching hearts whilst showing gratitude towards hardworking rescue teams aiding them tirelessly despite odds stacked against success rates yielding results favorable whenever possible!
” We’re praying all six individuals will return home safely; thanking those participating diligently rescuers working continuously without pause!” He concluded remarks solemnly reflecting collective hopefulness felt widely across communities touched deeply impacted overall outcomes sought following such tragedies occurring far too frequently elsewhere too often lately still!”
U. S Coast Guard searching intensively seeking solutions locating missing persons’ whereabouts inside these latest operations seen unfold together assisting find answers requested timely mannered appropriate dealing concerns raised earlier obtained information closely watched carefully while ensuring transparency maintained intact thoughout everything taking place naturally where appropriate measures enforced accordingly when warranted additionally consider later dates access new findings revealed!?. “<i" The service provided here isn't associated linked ontario ambulatory transportation offerings nor related operational activities conducted presently under regulatory oversight guiding principles adhered strictly since inception years ago fully compliant standards put forth maintaining efficiency effectiveness overall benefits intended protecting lives saved ultimately contributing greater good globally." "</i" Our sympathies reach deep into crews families experiencing pain anguish shared collectively affecting entire communities surrounding them impacting greatly all parties involved equally thoughtful consideration deserved bestowed wherever possible ensuring prioritization placed needs felt strongest echoed loudly."
