The U.S. Coast Guard’s Northeast District announced early Saturday that a search and rescue effort is under way off the coast of Nantucket, Massachusetts, for a missing medical‑transport aircraft.
Aircraft and flight details
The aircraft, a Gulfstream G‑100, departed L.F. Wade International Airport in Bermuda bound for Boston Logan International Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a search and rescue alert at approximately 1:20 a.m. Eastern time after losing contact with the jet shortly after take‑off.
Six individuals were aboard the aircraft, which is registered to Latitude Air Ambulance, a Canada‑based company that provides air‑medical services.
Search operation
Coast Guard vessels and aircraft are conducting a coordinated sweep of the waters surrounding Nantucket, an island located about 30 miles south of Cape Cod. The agency said the search area includes both surface and aerial assets, and that they are working closely with the FAA and other federal partners.
Officials have not released the identities of the passengers or crew, citing privacy considerations. They emphasized that the safety of the individuals on board is the top priority and that they will continue to provide updates as the operation progresses.
Context and safety reminders
Medical‑transport flights are a critical component of emergency health services, especially for remote or time‑sensitive cases. The Coast Guard’s rapid response underscores the agency’s commitment to safeguarding lives over the nation’s waterways.
Travelers and families are encouraged to stay informed through official channels, such as the FAA’s website and local news outlets, for the latest information on the search.
What’s next?
The Coast Guard expects the search to continue through the day, adjusting tactics as new information becomes available. Authorities will issue a formal statement once the aircraft’s status is confirmed.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.