The U. S. Coast Guard’s decision to stop searching for the crew and passengers of a medical transport jet from Hamilton suggests that the four Canadians and two Bermudians aboard likely didn’t make it, according to the company that operated the flight.
Latitude Air Ambulance released a statement late Sunday night, indicating that hopes of finding survivors from the downed Gulfstream G100 aircraft, named Heartbeat 104, seem to have faded.
“It is with profound sadness that we acknowledge the decision by the United States Coast Guard to conclude active search and rescue operations and transition to recovery efforts,” Latitude stated in its message.
“Given the information shared by authorities and the conclusion of the search and rescue phase, we must now face the heartbreaking reality that the four members of our Latitude team, our patient and the patient’s family escort, who were aboard…are presumed to have died.”
The Bermuda Police Service identified on Monday those two Bermudians believed dead as 66-year-old Marilyn Lavonne Bean and her 41-year-old son, Sergio Wayne Lottimore. The names of the Canadian flight crew have yet to be disclosed.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSBC) announced on Monday that it will lead an investigation into this incident.
The agency mentioned early indications suggest there may have been issues with the jet’s electrical system.
Guard along with National Guard deployed fixed wing aircraft, helicopters, and ships over an extensive area covering 11,500 square kilometers since around 2 a. m. Saturday when they learned from U. S. Federal Aviation Administration about losing contact with the Gulfstream aircraft. This jet was traveling from Bermuda to Boston carrying a patient along with a family member and crew members.
On Sunday morning, officials confirmed debris from the jet had been discovered off Nantucket. By Sunday night, they decided to end their search efforts.
“Suspending a search is not an easy decision,” Rear Adm. Matthew Lake said during a briefing Sunday night. “We express our deepest condolences to families and loved ones affected by this tragedy as well as gratitude for all partner agencies who supported these search efforts.”
U. S. Coast Guard Recovers Debris
On Sunday morning, Lake noted they were coordinating with Massachusetts authorities to send out vessels equipped with sonar for seabed detection in areas about 80 to 90 feet deep.
Latitude expressed its thoughts are primarily with families, friends, colleagues of those on board the jet.
“Our four crew members were valued members of the Latitude family. They dedicated themselves to providing care during some difficult moments in people’s lives while fulfilling their mission when this tragedy struck,” stated Latitude in their message.
“We are grieving their loss deeply and will continue supporting their families as well as our employees through these challenging times ahead.”
“We extend similar compassion towards our patient’s family and escort,” Latitude added. “We kindly ask everyone respect all families’ privacy while they grieve.”
The company affirmed it will fully cooperate with U. S. National Transportation Safety Board alongside TSBC plus other relevant authorities throughout recovery operations and investigations moving forward.
“Determining what led up to this aviation accident requires careful methods; we won’t speculate about what happened,” said representatives from Latitude Air Ambulance.
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Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath expressed being “heartbroken by this tragic loss.”
Support Offered During Difficult Times
“My heart goes out to those impacted including families & loved ones onboard as well as everyone at Latitude mourning their friends & colleagues,” she mentioned in her statement Monday morning adding “Latitude operates here within Hamilton International Airport so on behalf city I extend my heartfelt sympathies.”
Latitude expressed immense gratitude towards U. S Coast Guards plus air traffic controllers rescuers first responders government entities & others involved tirelessly working during search operation trying find missing individuals onboard aircraft yesterday.”
The president Peter Byl described incident being “unimaginable loss” not only for his organization but also all who knew six people onboard plane.”
Byl stated focus would shift now onto assisting affected families ensuring support provided also keeping communication open regarding authorities’ updates progress investigating situation.”
If reached out via Byl remarked how profoundly difficult period lies ahead impacting loved ones connected Heartbeat104 + staff alike…”
“Any additional public notices issued shall be based upon verified information received via appropriate channels respecting individual needs involved throughout process,” he clarified further emphasizing importance discretion amidst ongoing inquiry surrounding accident details.
According TSBC regulations state registry nation oversees inquiry which here occurs under Canada jurisdiction aided assistance US National Transportation Safety Board deploying investigators help recover missing plane soon after reported electrical failures prior descent into ocean near Nantucket coast leading absence radar signals triggered emergency protocols.
“Bermuda’s Premier David Burt admitted worst fears realized following initial hopes held earlier expressing sentiments echoing widespread grief across community resonating further elaborated thoughts shared Health Minister Kim Wilson acknowledging heart-wrenching moments many facing collectively while highlighting dedication local crews aiding situations previously encountered diverse circumstances however always striving better serve residents even amidst adversity” she articulated gracefully expressing sincere appreciation extended regard personnel devoted service offered unto citizens yearning difficult situations encountered often requiring utmost urgency.
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