Daijiworld Media Network - Boston

Boston (United States), Oct 4: Debris from a medical transport aircraft carrying six people, which went missing while flying from Bermuda to Boston, has been located off the coast of Nantucket, the US Coast Guard said.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) notified the Coast Guard at around 2 a.m. on Saturday (local time) that contact had been lost with the Gulfstream G100 aircraft, bearing tail number C-GRJP.

The Coast Guard had deployed air and surface crews to search an area off Nantucket after the aircraft went missing.

The plane was operated by Latitude Air Ambulance, a Canadian medical evacuation company.

In an update, the Coast Guard said its crews had located a debris field that was confirmed to be associated with the missing aircraft and that search operations were continuing for the six people aboard.

The Coast Guard confirmed that the aircraft was carrying four Canadian nationals and two Bermudian nationals. Their next of kin have been notified.

"Coast Guard search crews located a debris field that has been confirmed to be associated with the missing aircraft. Crews are continuing to search for the six people who were aboard the aircraft, and the Coast Guard cutter William Sparling will continue search efforts throughout the night," the agency said.

Flight tracking data from FlightAware showed that the aircraft had experienced a significant drop in altitude before communications were lost. The plane descended from around 7,300 metres (24,000 feet) to approximately 3,300 metres (11,000 feet).

According to air traffic control audio posted by LiveATC.net, the pilot reported electrical problems and declared an emergency as the aircraft approached the coast.

"Roger, you said you're coming in blind. Is that what you said?" a controller was heard asking the pilot.

The controller was also heard asking, "Are you declaring an emergency, or no?" The pilot's response was inaudible.

The air traffic controller later confirmed that the pilot had declared an emergency.

Canadian Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon said authorities were closely monitoring the situation.

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