Authorities in Alaska are actively searching for a small aircraft that vanished while carrying ten individuals. The US Coast Guard reported that the Cessna Caravan went missing approximately 12 miles (19 km) offshore during its journey from Unalakleet to Nome, a route that spans about 146 miles across the Norton Sound, an inlet of the Bering Sea.
Details of the search operation
According to a statement from state officials, search and rescue teams are currently focusing on the last known coordinates of the flight. They received notification about the aircraft, operated by Bering Air, being overdue at 16:00 local time on Thursday (01:00 GMT). The group on board included nine passengers and one pilot, although no specific details about their identities have been disclosed.
Communication before disappearance
The volunteer fire department in Nome shared that the pilot had communicated with air traffic controllers, indicating that he planned to enter a holding pattern while awaiting the clearance of the runway. Meanwhile, the US Coast Guard has mobilized efforts to locate the missing plane, deploying aircraft equipped with specialized technology designed to search for objects and individuals in conditions where visibility is limited.
“He intended to enter a holding pattern while waiting for the runway to be cleared.”
Additionally, the Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage is providing flight support to bolster the search operation. As the efforts continue, the Coast Guard remains committed to locating the missing aircraft and ensuring the safety of those on board.