US Coast Guard launches search for missing Gulfstream air ambulance near Nantucket

A Gulfstream G100 air ambulance that departed Bermuda's L. F. Wade International Airport at 11:41 p.m. Friday failed to arrive at its scheduled stop near Nantucket and was declared missing early Saturday. The aircraft, operated by Latitude Air Ambulance of Ontario, was carrying two Canadian crew members, a patient and a family member from Bermuda.

Radio transcripts captured by LiveATC.net show air traffic controllers asking the pilot whether an emergency was being declared as the jet descended rapidly, losing contact with radar and radio systems. The pilot’s response was not heard, and a second aircraft flying at a higher altitude could not detect the missing jet on its anti-collision system.

At about 1:20 a.m., the Federal Aviation Administration issued an alert and the US Coast Guard was notified at 2 a.m. Search assets, including Coast Guard aircraft, a helicopter, a cutter and a lifeboat, began circling Nantucket. Local police and the island’s harbormaster also started shoreline searches.

"We are praying that all six people will be found safe," said Bermuda Premier David Burt.

"Our thoughts and prayers go to all on board and all involved," said Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, adding that the state would support the rescue effort.

The search continued into the evening with no confirmed location of the aircraft reported.