Search Teams Find Debris Field Off US Coast After Medical Jet Goes Missing With Six On Board

Rescue teams have found a debris field off the coast of Nantucket in Massachusetts after a medical transport plane went missing over the Atlantic Ocean. The US Coast Guard stated that the Gulfstream G100 jet, with tail number CGRJP, lost contact with air traffic controllers early Saturday morning.

Flight Details

The plane was operating as an air ambulance on an overnight flight from Bermuda to Boston. Six people were on board, consisting of four Canadians and two Bermudians. Flight-tracking data from FlightRadar24 showed the jet dropped rapidly from about 24,000 feet to around 10,000 feet in just two minutes.

Emergency and Search

Air traffic control audio indicates the pilot reported electrical issues and declared an emergency while a storm hit the area. The US Coast Guard confirmed the debris belongs to the missing aircraft and stated that search efforts involving the cutter William Sparling are continuing through the night for the six occupants.

Reactions

Bermuda Premier David Burt stated that officials are praying for the safe recovery of everyone on board. Canadian Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon posted on social media that his thoughts are with the families and thanked the first responders involved in the rescue operation.

Context

Search and rescue operations in open ocean waters often present major challenges due to changing weather and rough sea conditions. Aviation authorities routinely track sudden altitude drops and lost communications to locate downed aircraft quickly.