The U. S. Coast Guard announced that it has ended the search for those aboard the missing air ambulance as of sunset on Sunday.
“Suspending a search is not an easy decision,” Rear Admiral Matthew Lake, commander of the Coast Guard’s northeast district, said in the statement.
“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 efforts.”
Search teams had been combing through waters off Nantucket, Mass., looking for survivors after discovering debris from an Ontario-based air ambulance that disappeared while traveling from Bermuda to Boston.
Lake noted in his statement that the U. S. Coast Guard was alerted about the air ambulance at 2 a. m. on Saturday, and that USCG and its partners worked until sunset Sunday.
It’s a “large and demanding search area,” Lake mentioned during an earlier news conference.
The Coast Guard deployed aircraft, helicopters, boats, and cutters in addition to assistance from New York National Guard’s air rescue wing and Massachusetts authorities, Lake added.
The four crew members were Canadians, while two passengers were from Bermuda, according to officials. More details about those on board have not been disclosed, with Lake stating it would be inappropriate to share information out of respect for relatives.
The jet identified by tail number C-GRJP was set to arrive at Boston Logan International Airport after departing from Bermuda’s L. F. Wade International Airport at 11:41 p. m. ET Friday.
The missing aircraft belongs to Latitude Air Ambulance, an Ontario company based out of John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport. The company has been operating since 2009 with a single Bombardier Learjet 35 ambulance aircraft, according to airport records.
Search crews previously located “a debris field” confirmed to be linked to the missing aircraft, stated the Coast Guard.
This debris field was found approximately 20 miles off Nantucket Island. Officials reported that the ocean depth in this area ranges between 80 to 90 feet.
“We’re in the process of working with Massachusetts authorities to get some craft out there that are equipped with sonar to be able to do some detection on the seabed floor,” Lake explained.
While officials have not provided specifics about what has been discovered so far, Lake indicated they have yet to recover the aircraft’s cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder-often referred to as the black box.
“Naturally we would try to find the black box,” Lake commented. “At this point.. there’s no indications that we found a black box.”
According to Latitude’s website, the company collaborates with global insurance companies, governments, and other organizations for medical evacuation and repatriation services. (CBC)
Air traffic asked jet if they’re ‘coming in blind’: ATC audio
Coast Guard officials did not comment on reports suggesting that electrical issues were reported by the aircraft before it vanished.
However, recordings of air traffic communications shared online imply ground crews spoke with the pilot about difficulties just before disappearing.
Around 12:30 a. m. ET Saturday morning, an air traffic controller at a New York control center can be heard talking with pilots on Live ATC. net-a site sharing air traffic communications-asking them if they were “coming in blind.” The controller requested clarification regarding whether they were declaring an emergency: “You’re coming in a little weak. I didn’t hear your response if you were declaring an emergency or not.”
The controller repeated his request for confirmation before responding simply with “OK.” Moments later he attempted multiple times without success to contact the jet again; he then asked other nearby aircraft if they could reach out but received no positive responses.
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand expressed her “deep concern” over disappearance involving Canadians among those onboard.
Anand stated Global Affairs Canada consular officials are coordinating with relevant authorities as search efforts continue.
“My thoughts are with everyone on board and their loved ones. I thank the U. S. Coast Guard and all those involved in search and rescue efforts for their tireless work,” she posted early Sunday morning on X.
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