The United States Coast Guard has confirmed the discovery of a small plane wreckage in Alaska, following its disappearance on Thursday.
Tragically, three people have been confirmed dead, with seven others believed to be inside the aircraft, though they remain inaccessible due to the condition of the plane.
The Cessna Caravan, operated by Bering Air, had ten people on board when its location was lost approximately 12 miles (19 km) offshore on Thursday afternoon.
Authorities reported that the wreckage was found 34 miles southeast of Nome, Alaska, where the plane was headed from Unalakleet.
US Transport Secretary Sean Duffy expressed his sorrow, saying, “Say a prayer tonight for the 10 souls who lost their lives on the Bering Air flight in Alaska.”
An investigation into the incident is underway by the National Transportation Safety Board, with support from the Federal Aviation Administration.
The Alaska State Troopers received a report about an “overdue” aircraft at 16:00 local time on Thursday (01:00 GMT).
According to the Nome volunteer fire department, the pilot had informed air traffic controllers that “he intended to enter a holding pattern while waiting for the runway to be cleared.”
However, the Coast Guard later revealed the plane experienced a rapid loss of altitude and speed before contact was lost.
The names of those on board have not been released, though the Nome Volunteer Fire Department confirmed that all families of the passengers have been notified.
The flight carried nine passengers and one pilot, according to the Alaska Department of Public Safety.
Air search and rescue operations were severely hampered by adverse weather conditions that limited visibility, affecting the teams involved in the efforts.
Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska shared her condolences, stating, “Alaska is a big small town. When tragedy strikes, we’re never far removed from the Alaskans directly impacted.”
Governor Mike Dunleavy expressed his heartbreak over the loss, saying, “Our prayers are with the passengers, the pilot, and their loved ones during this difficult time.”
The cities of Unalakleet and Nome are separated by approximately 146 miles across the Norton Sound, an inlet of the Bering Sea.
