The U.S. Coast Guard announced the discovery of a crashed Nome-bound commuter plane from Unalakleet, confirming that there were no survivors among the 10 aboard.
Fox News reported that the wreckage, located on sea ice near Nome, contained three bodies; authorities believe the remaining seven are still inside.
The unfortunate incident began when the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX, carrying 10 adults including the pilot, lost contact during its journey from Unalakleet to Nome, Alaska. The missing aircraft triggered an intensive search operation.
The plane was last tracked over Norton Sound at 3:16 p.m. on Thursday, with its position lost shortly after, about 12 miles offshore. Data indicated a sudden and rapid descent, hinting at catastrophic circumstances leading to the crash.
The Coast Guard's discovery was reported on the social media platform X, detailing the location of the wreckage approximately 34 miles southeast of Nome, positioned precariously on sea ice.
Bering Air, the airline operating the flight, confirmed it was a regularly scheduled flight that encountered tragic difficulties. The aircraft, known for reliability, met conditions that will need a thorough investigation to clarify.
Following the confirmation of the crash site and the condition of the aircraft, recovery efforts were discussed, but the severe damage to the plane limited immediate access to all aboard.
Authorities emphasize the challenging conditions at the crash site, complicating both recovery and further investigation efforts.
In response to the tragedy, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy expressed deep sorrow over the incident, extending his prayers to the families and communities affected by the devastating loss.
His message was echoed by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who also reached out with condolences during this difficult time, recognizing the impact on the Alaskan community and affirming support from federal agencies.
Duffy's statement on X implored people to "Say a prayer tonight for the 10 souls who lost their lives on the Bering Air flight in Alaska," highlighting the national level of attention and concern the accident has garnered.
The Coast Guard's statement clarified that while initial hopes were for a rescue, the focus now shifted towards a careful recovery of those who perished. The statement noted that "The remaining 7 people are believed to be inside the aircraft but are currently inaccessible due to the condition of the plane."
This update brought an outpouring of support from across the country, as emergency teams prepared for the complexities of a recovery mission in the harsh and unpredictable Alaskan environment.
The FAA, involved from the outset, has sent an investigator from the Aviation Safety Office of Accident and Prevention to the site to begin unraveling the factors leading to this tragic event.
The local community, heavily tied with every individual aboard, feels the profound impact of the accident. Community leaders are organizing support systems for the bereaved families and discussing measures to prevent future tragedies.
Such incidents stir conversations about the inherent risks of commuter flights in Alaska's challenging landscapes and weather conditions, prompting calls for increased safety protocols.