The US Coast Guard in Alaska has located the wreckage of a small aircraft on top of frozen sea ice after it abruptly lost altitude on Thursday, resulting in the tragic death of all ten individuals on board, officials reported.
Two US Coast Guard rescue swimmers who arrived at the scene noticed three bodies inside the wreckage, while the remaining seven were believed to be trapped within the aircraft, according to Coast Guard spokesperson Mike Salerno during a press briefing.
“Regrettably, it seems that this crash was not survivable,” Mr. Salerno stated.
The Coast Guard confirmed that they found the remains of the Bering Air Caravan approximately 55 kilometers from Nome.
“The seven individuals are thought to be inside the aircraft but cannot currently be accessed due to the wreck’s condition.”
Nome’s volunteer fire department, which had joined the search for the lost aircraft, announced on Facebook that it was assisting with the recovery efforts.
“The Nome Search and Rescue Team is gearing up with help from the Alaska Air National Guard for recovery operations,” a post indicated.
“Based on the information we have received, the crash was not survivable. Our thoughts are with the families during this difficult time.”
The privately operated aircraft, carrying nine passengers and one pilot, was reported overdue on Thursday during its flight from Unalakleet to Nome, according to Alaska state police.
The two towns are located about 240 kilometers apart across Norton Sound, situated on the state’s western coast.
Public records suggest that the plane’s last known location was over water roughly 40 minutes after its departure.
This incident adds to a disturbing series of aviation tragedies in the United States.
On January 30, a passenger jet collided midair with a US Army helicopter in Washington, resulting in the death of all 67 individuals aboard both aircraft.
This catastrophe was shortly followed by a medical plane crash into a crowded neighborhood in Philadelphia, claiming seven lives and injuring 19.
