Categories
A mysterious incident has unfolded in Alaska, where a plane carrying 10 people suddenly went missing, sparking a massive search operation. The plane, a Cessna Caravan operated by Bering Air, was en route from Unalakleet to Nome when it lost communication on Thursday afternoon, about 12 miles off the coast. Local authorities confirmed that the plane had nine passengers and one pilot on board. After the plane failed to arrive in Nome, both local and federal authorities initiated an urgent search effort, but adverse weather conditions and poor visibility hampered progress.
The Alaska Department of Public Safety reported that the plane took off from Unalakleet and was supposed to reach Nome by Thursday evening. However, shortly after takeoff, the aircraft lost altitude and speed rapidly, and its location was lost. A ground search near Nome and White Mountain was launched, with the assistance of Alaska State Troopers, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and the US Coast Guard.
After 24 hours of uncertainty, the US Coast Guard announced that the wreckage of the missing plane had been found, about 34 miles southeast of Nome. Tragically, three bodies have been confirmed dead, while seven others are believed to be inside the aircraft. However, the bodies of the remaining passengers are currently inaccessible due to the condition of the wreckage.
The NTSB, with support from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), has opened an investigation into the cause of the incident. US Transport Secretary Sean Duffy expressed his condolences, urging people to “say a prayer tonight for the 10 souls who lost their lives on the Bering Air flight in Alaska.”
The flight’s pilot had communicated to air traffic controllers that he planned to enter a holding pattern while awaiting a cleared runway in Nome. Despite this, the aircraft’s position was lost, leading to fears of a possible crash. The crash site, located far off the coast, is still being assessed.
The tragic loss has left the state heartbroken. Alaska’s Senator Lisa Murkowski shared her condolences online, emphasizing how close-knit the Alaskan community is, especially in times of tragedy. Governor Mike Dunleavy expressed his sorrow, saying, “Our prayers are with the passengers, the pilot, and their loved ones during this difficult time.”
The two cities of Unalakleet and Nome are separated by about 146 miles across the Norton Sound, a portion of the Bering Sea. The accident has left many in Alaska grieving, as the small community comes to terms with the devastating loss.
Disclaimer: This is an AI-generated live blog and has not been edited by Localtak staff.
Also Read: Cricket-Playing Babas at Mahakumbh Mela 2025 Go Viral in New Video
