HAMILTON: An air ambulance travelling from Bermuda to Boston has crashed into the Atlantic Ocean, the US Coast Guard has confirmed. A large-scale search and rescue operation is under way in the waters and coastal areas near the crash site.
According to officials, the Canadian-registered Gulfstream aircraft departed from L.F. Wade International Airport in Bermuda and was heading to Boston. Six people were on board the medical flight, including four Canadian crew members, a patient and a relative accompanying the patient. The aircraft was owned by a Canadian private company.
Aircraft Disappears From Radar After Emergency Call
According to reports, the aircraft took off from Bermuda late at night and was nearing the final stage of its journey when contact with air traffic control was lost near Nantucket, an island off the US state of Massachusetts.
Flight data indicated that shortly before the crash, the aircraft suddenly descended at a very high rate, dropping from an altitude of around 24,000 feet to 13,000 feet within a few minutes. It then disappeared from radar. The pilot had reportedly declared an emergency during the aircraft’s final communication with air traffic control.
Initial reports suggested that the aircraft had experienced electrical problems. The flight also encountered severe weather conditions, although the exact cause of the crash has yet to be determined and remains under investigation.
Coast Guard Launches Search Operation
The US Coast Guard launched an immediate search operation using helicopters, aircraft and maritime vessels after the aircraft was reported missing.
Wreckage from the aircraft has since been located in the waters near Nantucket. However, there has been no confirmed information about the condition or whereabouts of the six people on board.
Authorities said the search and rescue mission remains under way as teams continue efforts to locate possible survivors.
