A major search and rescue operation has been launched in the United States after a medical transfer aircraft carrying six people disappeared near Nantucket. The Gulfstream G100 had departed Bermuda and was heading to Boston Logan International Airport.
Six people were on board
The aircraft was carrying four Canadians, including two pilots and two medical personnel, as well as two Bermuda residents — a patient and a family member.
The flight was scheduled to land in Boston at 1:25 a.m., but contact with the Federal Aviation Administration was lost before arrival.
Aircraft lost 12,500 feet in three minutes
Flight data showed that the aircraft descended from 23,500 feet to 11,000 feet in just three minutes beginning at around 1:04 a.m.
Radio transmissions indicated that communication with the pilot had become weak, prompting an air traffic controller to ask whether the crew was declaring an emergency.
Search focused off Nantucket
The US Coast Guard said the search area is around 13 nautical miles off the coast of Nantucket and spans approximately 30 nautical miles wide and 20 nautical miles long.
Aircraft, helicopters, rescue boats and Coast Guard vessels have been deployed as part of the operation.
“We are praying that all six people will be found safe”
Bermuda Premier David Burt said:
“My thoughts are with everyone on board and their families during this deeply worrying time. We are praying that all six people will be found safe, and we thank the search and rescue crews for their continuing efforts.”
Source: NationalTurk
