Feb. 7 (UPI) — Federal and local authorities said late Thursday they are searching for a plane with 10 people aboard that has gone missing in western Alaska.
Alaska State Troopers said in a statement that they were contacted about the overdue aircraft at 4 p.m. AST, stating the Bering Air Caravan plane had gone missing while en route from Unalakleet to Nome.
The aircraft has been identified as a Cessna Caravan with nine passengers and one pilot on board.
U.S. Coast Guard Alaska said in a statement plane was flying 12 miles offshore en route to Nome when its position was lost.
A HC-130 Hercules airplane crew from Air Station Kodiak has been deployed to the plane’s last known location, the statement said.
The Nome Volunteer Fire Department said the Coast Guard airplane will survey the area and try to get a visual of the missing aircraft to assist ground crews with GPS coordinates, as it will not land in the area.
“Ground crews have covered ground all along the coast from Nome to Topkok, it said on Facebook. “The plane’s exact location is still unknown.”
Norton Sound Health Corporation said in a statement Thursday at about 5:30 p.m. that it was “standing ready to respond to a community medical emergency.”
Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, said he was aware of the reports of the missing plane.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the passengers, their families and the rescue crew,” he said.
This is a developing story.
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