A plane carrying 10 people was found crashed in Alaska on Friday, a day after departing for Nome but failing to arrive, the Coast Guard reported. Sadly, there are believed to be no survivors.
The wreckage was located about 34 miles southeast of Nome, with three bodies found inside the aircraft. The Coast Guard stated that seven others who were aboard the plane are thought to be inside, though they could not be reached due to the wreckage’s condition.
“The severity of the wreckage was beyond the possibility of survival,” the Coast Guard said. The Bering Air Cessna Caravan had taken off Thursday from Unalakleet, located on the east coast of Norton Sound in western Alaska, en route to Nome, roughly 140 miles away. Officials confirmed there were nine passengers and one pilot aboard.
According to Bering Air Director of Operations David Olson, the flight departed Unalakleet at 2:37 p.m. Thursday. Radar data showed that around 3:18 p.m., the plane experienced an event that led to a sudden drop in altitude and speed, as noted by Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Benjamin McIntyre-Coble in a Friday briefing.
After the wreckage was discovered, two Coast Guard swimmers were lowered from a helicopter and found three deceased passengers in the plane’s forward section. The Coast Guard shared its condolences in a post on X, offering sympathy to those impacted by the tragedy.
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy, along with his wife Rose, expressed their heartbreak over the loss. “Our prayers are with the families, friends, and communities mourning this tragedy,” he said in a statement.
The Nome Volunteer Fire Department has activated its search and rescue team to assist with the recovery, with support from the Alaska National Guard. The National Transportation Safety Board has announced it is sending a team to investigate the crash.
Since Nome and Unalakleet are not connected by the state highway system, air, water, snowmobile, and trail transportation are the primary means of travel between the two locations.
Senator Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, shared her sorrow, saying, "My heart is broken over the news out of Nome." She noted the closeness of the Alaskan community, stating, "When tragedy strikes, we’re never far removed from the Alaskans directly impacted. But that also means we come together as a community to grieve and heal." She also expressed gratitude for those who risked their safety to aid in the search.
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