The Bermuda Government has identified two of the six victims who died when an air ambulance crashed into the sea off Massachusetts over the weekend. The Canadian air ambulance disappeared off the coast of Nantucket while en route from Bermuda to Boston in the early hours of Saturday morning.
On board were four crew members, a patient and their relative, who had been picked up during a medical evacuation. It has now been confirmed that all six individuals on board lost their lives in the crash.
Victims Identified
In an update from The Bermuda Police Service, a spokesperson said: "The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) can now confirm the identities of the two Bermudian Nationals who were on board an aircraft which went missing off Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, U.S.A., shortly after 1:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 3, 2026, as 66-year-old Marilyn Lavonne Bean and her 41-year-old son, Sergio Wayne Lottimore."
The investigation into this incident is being conducted by the U.S. National Transportation and Safety Board, in conjunction with Transport Safety Board, Canada. A BPS Family Liaison Officer has been appointed to assist the relatives of Ms. Bean and Mr. Lottimore, during this difficult time. The BPS extends sincere condolences.
Search and Response
The US Coast Guard (USCG) initiated a large-scale search for the Gulfstream aircraft in the early hours of Saturday, covering a vast expanse of ocean off Nantucket. Multiple aircraft, helicopters and boats were deployed as crews frantically searched. More than 1,600 square miles had been combed over approximately 27 hours as crews desperately tried to locate those on board.
FlightAware's tracker showed the aircraft dramatically losing altitude before communication was lost, plunging from around 7,300m (24,000ft) to 3,300m (11,000ft) in roughly three minutes. There were also issues with communications between the pilot and air traffic control. The US Coast Guard stopped their search on Sunday.
Official Condolences
A spokesperson from the Government of Bermuda said: "We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Marilyn Lavonne Bean and Sergio Wayne Lottimore, the two Bermudians who tragically lost their lives following an aircraft incident near Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, on Saturday, 3 October.
"We also extend our sincere sympathies to the families and loved ones of the four other individuals who lost their lives in this tragedy. The loss of life in such heartbreaking circumstances is deeply felt. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those grieving at this difficult time."
The Minister of Health, the Hon. Kim Wilson, JP, MP, said: "My heart is with the families, friends, colleagues, and loved ones of everyone involved in this tragic incident. This is an incredibly difficult time for all those affected, and I know many people across Bermuda are holding them in their thoughts and prayers.
"We also recognise the dedicated crew who came to Bermuda to provide a service that has supported many families during some of life's most difficult moments. For that, we are deeply grateful. On behalf of the Ministry of Health, I extend my sincere support to all those affected and keep them in my thoughts and prayers during this profoundly difficult time."
Premier David Burt expressed condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Bermuda after an air ambulance from Bermuda to Boston went down in the waters off the coast of Nantucket in the early hours of Saturday morning: "While we held out hope for the best, the worst fears have been realized and so our first thoughts are with the families of those so tragically lost. Let us open our hearts to the families in the hope that our expressions of love, support and compassion will bring some comfort as they attempt to deal with this terrible loss."
