Coast Guard searches for missing air ambulance south of Nantucket

The U.S. Coast Guard is searching waters south of Nantucket, Massachusetts, for a Canadian air ambulance carrying six people that lost contact during an overnight flight from Bermuda to Boston.

The Gulfstream G100 departed Bermuda’s LF Wade International Airport with four crew members and two passengers, according to a statement from airport operator Skyport obtained by the Associated Press. The Federal Aviation Administration issued a search-and-rescue alert at about 1:20 a.m. Saturday, an FAA spokesperson told The Guardian. The aircraft did not arrive at Boston Logan International Airport as scheduled, NBC News reported, citing the Massachusetts port authority.

The plane’s pilot declared an emergency, according to Nantucket Memorial Airport. NPR reported that flight data showed the jet dropping at least 9,000 feet over two minutes, then leveling off for several minutes before disappearing. During an exchange with air traffic control, a controller asked the pilot, “You’re coming in blind?”

A fire rescue dispatcher warned emergency crews that the plane was about 15 minutes away and was experiencing electrical problems, NPR reported, citing audio available on Broadcastify and reviewed by The Boston Globe. The dispatcher said the plane had lost radio and radar contact.

ABC News reported a different account of the aircraft’s descent. Citing a source with knowledge of the investigation, the outlet said officials believed the plane rapidly descended 7,500 feet before hitting the water. Authorities had not publicly confirmed where the plane was.

The Coast Guard said Saturday morning that the search was focused off Nantucket. It has deployed two search-and-rescue planes, a helicopter and a motor lifeboat, according to NPR. The FAA said it was coordinating with the Rescue Coordination Center and the Coast Guard to locate the aircraft.

The aircraft is operated by Latitude Air Ambulance, based in Ontario, Canada. NBC News reported that it was conducting a medical evacuation in Bermuda, citing Clarence Togeretz, Latitude’s director of flight operations.

“We always get rather concerned when our crew doesn’t report to us in a timely manner,” Togeretz told NBC. “But I will say that again, optimistically and positively, that doesn’t mean that the worst has happened.”

Latitude says on its website that it has conducted thousands of missions since 2009 and has “a flawless safety record.” Its air ambulances carry two pilots and a medical team, along with a stretcher and intensive-care equipment and supplies, the website says.

The identities of those aboard were not immediately released. ABC News, citing a source with knowledge of the investigation, reported that none were Americans.

“Our thoughts are with those onboard and their loved ones as the search continues,” a Massachusetts port authority spokesperson told NBC News.