In Alaska, a Cessna plane carrying ten passengers has gone missing. Search operations are under way, officials have confirmed.
The plane vanishes over Norton Sound.
Bering Air was operating the plane, which was traveling from Unalakleet to Nome. Norton Sound’s frigid waters divide these western Alaskan communities from one another.
The Alaska State Troopers received a report at 4 p.m. Thursday about the overdue plane. The aircraft had nine passengers and a pilot on board when it lost contact.
Challenging Search Conditions
Multiple agencies have launched rescue efforts. Ground searches from Nome and White Mountain have been led by the Nome Volunteer Fire Department. However, severe weather conditions continue to make air searches challenging.
The mission now includes the U.S. Air Force and Coast Guard. Teams are using specialized search and rescue equipment to find the missing aircraft.
Weather Hampers Visibility
On Thursday evening, Nome Airport recorded light snow and freezing drizzle. Visibility dropped to just half a mile. Meteorologists forecasted winds to gust up to 35 mph overnight.
FlightRadar24 data showed the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan last seen over Norton Sound at 3:16 p.m. AKST. A Coast Guard HC-130 aircraft later searched the area using advanced technology despite poor visibility.
Hospitals and Officials on Alert
Medical facilities in the region are preparing for any necessary response. The Norton Sound Health Corporation has announced readiness to handle a medical emergency. Officials established a family center at the Norton Sound Regional Hospital to support the relatives of missing passengers.
Senator Dan Sullivan of Alaska addressed the incident on Facebook. “We are hearing reports of a possible missing plane en route to Nome. Our thoughts and prayers are with the passengers, their families, and the rescue crew,” he posted.
Ongoing Search Efforts
Authorities have urged the public to refrain from forming independent search parties. Weather and safety concerns remain a priority. Official search teams continue to expand their efforts to locate the missing aircraft as soon as possible.
