Debris Confirmed from Missing Air Ambulance off Nantucket Island

The United States Coast Guard has confirmed the discovery of debris associated with a missing air ambulance jet in waters off Nantucket Island, Massachusetts. The aircraft, which was on a flight from Bermuda to Boston, lost contact with air traffic control early on Saturday morning. According to the US Federal Aviation Administration, they were alerted that the Gulfstream jet had gone off radar. Hours later, the Coast Guard reported finding a debris field linked to the missing flight. Currently, one of its cutters remains deployed to search the area for the six individuals who were aboard.

The Canadian-registered air ambulance had four crew members and two passengers when it took off from LF Wade International Airport in Bermuda. Minister of Transport for Canada, Steven MacKinnon, stated on social media that four Canadians were among those on board. He mentioned that the government is closely monitoring the evolving situation and actively coordinating with relevant authorities while search and rescue operations are ongoing.

The two other individuals on board were Bermudian nationals, as confirmed by the Coast Guard. Data from flight tracking website FlightAware indicates that the aircraft took off at 12:41 AM local time (03:41 GMT) and maintained an altitude of approximately 24,000 feet (7,300 metres) for a significant duration of its journey. However, shortly before communication with flight controllers was lost, the jet descended abruptly to 13,000 feet (3,960 metres).

Audio recordings from air traffic control, shared by LiveATC.net, provide insight into the final exchanges before the aircraft disappeared. One controller is heard asking the pilot, "Roger, you said you're coming in blind. Is that what you said?" Shortly after this, the pilot was recorded declaring an emergency.

The Bermuda government is in touch with US authorities regarding the incident and is engaged with the families of those aboard. Bermuda's Premier, David Burt, expressed hope, stating, "We are praying that all six people will be found safe." Latitude Air Ambulance, based in Ontario, Canada, operates medical evacuation services and has not yet issued a public comment regarding the situation. As search operations continue, further updates will be provided as they emerge.