Wreckage from a missing medical transport plane has been found off the Massachusetts coast as rescuers continue searching for the six people who were on board.
The Latitude Air Ambulance aircraft lost contact while travelling from Bermuda to Boston. The Gulfstream G100 was carrying four Canadians and two Bermudian nationals.
The Federal Aviation Administration alerted the US Coast Guard at about 2am local time after contact with the aircraft was lost. A multi-agency search was then launched.
The Coast Guard said its crews had located a debris field confirmed to be associated with the missing aircraft. The search for the passengers remains under way, with the cutter William Sparling continuing operations through the night.
Rescuers have covered 1,644 square miles during the 27-hour operation. The response has included a Jayhawk helicopter crew, motor lifeboat teams and aircraft from the New York Air National Guard’s 106th Rescue Wing.
FlightAware data indicated that the aircraft descended sharply from about 25,000ft to roughly 11,000ft shortly after 1am. Its final signal was recorded at around 1.30am, shortly before it was due to arrive in Boston.
The Bermuda Government said the plane had been reported missing after losing contact with air traffic control. Officials said they were in touch with the families of those on board and remained in contact with US authorities involved in the search.
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.”
Canadian Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon confirmed that four of the passengers were Canadian. “We are closely monitoring the situation and are working with the relevant authorities as search and rescue efforts continue. I want to thank all first responders involved for their ongoing efforts,” he said.
