The Government of Bermuda has confirmed that all six people on board the Canadian air ambulance that vanished off the coast of Nantucket on Saturday have died. Two of the victims have been named as 66-year-old Marilyn Lavonne Bean and her 41-year-old son, Sergio Wayne Lottimore, both Bermudian nationals.
Aircraft lost altitude before vanishing
The Gulfstream aircraft was travelling from Bermuda to Boston in the early hours of Saturday morning when it disappeared. It was carrying four crew members, a patient and their relative, who had been collected during a medical evacuation.
FlightAware’s tracker showed the aircraft dramatically lose altitude before communication went dark, plummeting from around 7,300m (24,000ft) to 3,300m (11,000ft) in roughly three minutes. There were also problems with communications between the pilot and air traffic control.
Search efforts suspended
The US Coast Guard (USCG) launched an extensive search in the early hours of Saturday, covering a vast stretch of ocean off Nantucket. Multiple aircraft, helicopters and boats were deployed, with more than 1,600 square miles searched over approximately 27 hours.
Authorities located a “debris field” on Saturday evening which was later confirmed to be from the aircraft. However, officials said the number of components discovered made it difficult to establish exactly what had been found. The USCG officially suspended its efforts at sunset on Sunday, October 4.
Officials express condolences
The Bermuda Police Service confirmed the identities of the two Bermudian nationals and noted that the investigation 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.
A spokesperson from the Government of Bermuda extended condolences to the families of all six who lost their lives. 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, saying: “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.”
