An air ambulance carrying six people has been reported missing after the aircraft plunged more than 10,000 feet and lost contact with air traffic control. The plane had taken off from Bermuda this morning and was heading to Boston, Massachusetts, on the east coast of the United States.
Search and rescue underway off Nantucket
The US Coast Guard is conducting air and surface searches off the coast of Nantucket, Massachusetts. The Bermuda government said officials have been in touch with the families of those on board.
A statement from the government reads: "The Government of Bermuda confirms that an air ambulance which departed Bermuda for Boston early this morning, carrying six people, has been reported missing after contact was lost with air traffic control. The United States Coast Guard is conducting search and rescue operations off the coast of Nantucket, Massachusetts. The Government has been in contact with the families of those on board and remains in contact with the overseas authorities coordinating the search."
Passengers and crew details
Of the six people on board, four are understood to have been crew members, with the other two passengers. Two of the people on board are from Bermuda, while the other four are Canadian.
The air ambulance belongs to Latitude Air Ambulance, who said in a statement that "we're praying for a safe outcome". The US Coast Guard said air and surface crews were searching for the aircraft.
Official response
Bermuda premier David Burt said: "My thoughts are with everyone on board and their families during this deeply worrying time. We are praying that all six people will be found safe, and we thank the search and rescue crews for their continuing efforts."
