Debris found near Nantucket from missing medical jet carrying six people as search continues

NANTUCKET, MASSACHUSETTS: A medical jet carrying six people disappeared while flying from Bermuda to Boston early Saturday, October 3.

The US Coast Guard later confirmed that a debris field found Saturday night belonged to the missing aircraft, but the search for those on board was still underway.

The Canadian-registered air ambulance had four crew members and two passengers on board. Four were Canadian nationals, while the other two were Bermudian nationals, according to the Coast Guard.

Medical jet vanishes during Bermuda-to-Boston flight

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) lost contact with the Gulfstream G-100 at around 1 am local time on Saturday and issued a Search and Rescue Alert Notice for the aircraft.

The jet was registered to Canada-based Latitude Air Ambulance, according to the tail number provided by the Coast Guard. According to FlightAware data, the aircraft took off from Bermuda at around 11:40 pm ET on Friday, October 2.

Bermuda airport operator Skyport also confirmed that the plane had departed from LF Wade International Airport overnight, bound for Massachusetts.

The flight was headed to Boston Logan International Airport and was expected to land at around 1:30 am local time.

The plane went missing after approximately one hour and 45 minutes in the air. FlightAware data showed that it rapidly descended from about 24,000 feet to 11,000 feet before contact was lost. The search operation was being conducted off the coast of Nantucket.

Coast Guard finds debris from missing medical jet

The Coast Guard said a debris field confirmed to belong to the missing aircraft was discovered on Saturday night. The discovery marked a significant development in the search, although the six people on board had not yet been found.

Search crews were expected to continue their efforts overnight as authorities searched for the missing passengers and crew members. The Coast Guard said its crews had covered an area of 1,644 square miles over the course of 27 hours.

Several Coast Guard assets were involved in the search, including an HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft, an HC-130 Hercules aircraft and an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter.

A 47-foot Motor Lifeboat and the FRC William Sparling, a Sentinel-class fast response cutter, were also deployed as part of the operation.

The extensive search highlighted the challenges facing rescue crews as they continued looking for the six people after the aircraft disappeared over the Atlantic.

Steve MacKinnon, David Burt respond to plane disappearance

The disappearance of the medical jet also prompted statements from Canadian and Bermudian officials as the search continued.

Steve MacKinnon, Canada's minister of transport, said his thoughts were with everyone on board, as well as their families, loved ones and colleagues.

"My thoughts are with everyone on board, as well as their families, loved ones and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time," MacKinnon said in a statement.

He added, "We are closely monitoring the situation and are working with the relevant authorities as search and rescue efforts continue."

The government of Bermuda also confirmed that it had been in contact with the families of those on board.

Bermuda Premier David Burt said authorities were hoping that all six people would be found safe.

He also thanked the crews involved in the search. "We are praying that all six people will be found safe, and we thank the search and rescue crews for their continuing efforts," Burt said.