A small commuter plane that crashed in western Alaska on its way to the hub community of Nome was located Friday on sea ice, and all 10 people on board were dead, authorities said.
The crash was one of the deadliest in the state in the last 25 years.
Rescuers were searching the aircraft’s last known location by helicopter when the wreckage was spotted, said Mike Salerno, a spokesperson for the U.S. Coast Guard. Two rescue swimmers were lowered to investigate.
A photo provided by the Coast Guard showed the plane’s splintered body and debris lying on the sea ice. Two people in brightly colored emergency gear circled the wreckage.
“It’s hard to accept the reality of our loss,” U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski said during an evening news conference.
Nome Mayor John Handeland choked up as he discussed the deaths and the response effort.
According to the US Coast Guard, the remains of the Bering Air Caravan were discovered about 34 miles (55 kilometers) from Nome.
“Three individuals were found inside and reported to be deceased,” the Coast Guard stated on social media.
“The remaining seven people are believed to be inside the aircraft but are currently inaccessible due to the condition of the plane.”
The Nome volunteer fire department, which was involved in the search, confirmed its participation in the recovery mission.
“The Nome Search and Rescue Team is spooling up with assistance from the Alaska Air National Guard with recovery efforts,” the department posted on Facebook.
“From reports we have received, the crash was not survivable. Our thoughts are with the families at this time.” The privately operated plane, carrying nine passengers and one pilot, was reported overdue on Thursday while flying from Unalakleet to Nome, according to Alaska state police.
The two cities are located about 150 miles apart along the Norton Sound, on Alaska’s western coast. Publicly available flight data indicated that the plane’s last known position was over water approximately 40 minutes after takeoff.
This tragedy is the latest in a series of recent aviation disasters in the United States. On January 30, a passenger jet collided midair with a US Army helicopter in Washington, killing all 67 people aboard both aircraft. Shortly after, a medical plane crashed into a crowded neighborhood in Philadelphia, killing seven and injuring 19.
