A critical medical transport jet, carrying six individuals, vanished without a trace early Saturday morning off the coast of Nantucket, triggering an urgent and extensive search operation by the U.S. Coast Guard across the vast Atlantic waters.
Air traffic controllers lost contact with the Gulfstream G100 aircraft, tail number C-GRJP, while it was en route from Bermuda to Boston. The Federal Aviation Administration promptly alerted the Coast Guard around 2 a.m., signaling the sudden disappearance of the plane.
The jet, which FlightAware data indicates departed Bermuda International Airport at 11:41 p.m. Eastern on Friday, was undertaking a mission critical to human well-being. The 'C-' prefix on its tail number confirms its Canadian registration, linking it to Latitude Air Ambulance.
Based out of Hamilton International Airport in Ontario, Latitude Air Ambulance specializes in long-distance medical evacuations and patient repatriations, often involving intensive care equipment. Their fleet includes Astra SPX or G100 jets, designed for such sensitive operations. The G100 itself is a twin-engine business jet with Israeli origins.
In response to the emergency, the Coast Guard's Northeast District swiftly mobilized its resources. "Air & surface crews have launched in search of the aircraft. Updates will be provided here as info becomes available," the district posted on X, outlining the immediate action taken.
The search effort currently involves an HC-144 Ocean Sentry patrol plane and an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Cape Cod, alongside a 47-foot motor lifeboat dispatched from Station Brant Point on Nantucket. The dedicated teams are battling the elements to locate the missing jet and its occupants.
As of Saturday morning, authorities have not released the names of those on board, nor have they confirmed if a patient was among the six missing individuals. Adding to the gravity of the situation, no wreckage has been publicly reported, leaving crucial questions unanswered and families awaiting news.
This is a developing story, and the nation watches as the brave men and women of the Coast Guard continue their relentless search to bring answers to this unfolding tragedy.
