A major search operation remained underway on Saturday after authorities found debris from a missing medical transport aircraft in waters off the coast of Nantucket, Massachusetts.
The discovery came hours after a Gulfstream G100 air ambulance disappeared while traveling from Bermuda to Boston with six people on board. Search crews continue to look for the aircraft and those who were aboard as investigators work to understand what happened.
The Missing Medical Jet Search began after federal aviation officials lost contact with the aircraft during the early morning hours. The plane had departed from L.F. Wade International Airport in Bermuda and was heading to Boston Logan International Airport.
According to flight tracking information, the aircraft was cruising at approximately 24,000 feet before experiencing a sudden and rapid descent. Data showed the jet lost about 13,000 feet of altitude within two minutes before it vanished from tracking systems.
The Coast Guard launched a large search effort in waters near Nantucket, located about 30 miles south of Cape Cod. Aircraft, helicopters, and rescue vessels were sent to the area to assist in the operation.
Later in the day, officials announced that a debris field had been located and confirmed that it was connected to the missing aircraft.
Despite the discovery, authorities said search efforts would continue throughout the night as crews searched for additional evidence and signs of the six people who were aboard the flight.
The aircraft was operated by Latitude Air Ambulance, a Canadian company that provides medical transportation services around the world.
Company officials said the flight crew had traveled to Bermuda to pick up a patient and a family member before beginning the journey to Boston.
The aircraft carried six people in total. The crew included two pilots and two medical professionals. Company representatives said all four crew members were Canadian citizens.
The two passengers were Bermudian nationals, according to authorities. Officials said relatives of those on board have been informed about the situation.
Latitude Air Ambulance reported losing contact with the aircraft shortly after 1:30 a.m. After the plane failed to arrive as scheduled, the company alerted emergency officials and a search operation began.
The Gulfstream G100 involved in the incident has been part of the company’s fleet since 2018. Records show the aircraft was originally built in 1996.
Latitude operates several aircraft used for medical evacuations and patient transfers. The company specializes in transporting patients who require medical support while traveling long distances.
According to information provided by the company, each flight is staffed by trained pilots and medical personnel who provide care during transport.
The company has completed missions in more than 100 countries and serves patients across multiple continents.
Government officials in Canada and Bermuda expressed concern as search efforts continued.
Canada’s transportation minister said authorities were closely following developments and coordinating with agencies involved in the response.
Bermuda’s government also confirmed that it has remained in contact with American officials and the families affected by the incident.
Investigators are now working to gather information about the aircraft’s final moments.
Search and rescue experts note that aircraft are often equipped with Emergency Locator Transmitters. These devices can automatically send distress signals following a crash and may help rescuers narrow down a search area.
Authorities are also reviewing communications between the aircraft and air traffic controllers. Early information suggests controllers became aware of a possible issue involving the plane before communication was lost.
However, officials have not released details about the nature of the reported problem.
At this stage, the cause of the disappearance remains unknown. Investigators will likely examine flight data, communications records, weather conditions, and any recovered wreckage as part of the inquiry.
The discovery of debris marks a significant development in the Missing Medical Jet Search. Still, officials emphasize that the operation remains active and that many questions remain unanswered.
As crews continue searching the waters near Nantucket, families, company officials, and government agencies await further information about the fate of the aircraft and the six people who were on board.
