US authorities are searching for a small plane carrying 10 people that went missing in Alaska.
The US Coast Guard for the Alaska region reported that the Cessna Caravan lost its position about 12 miles (19 km) offshore while flying from Unalakleet to Nome. The two cities, separated by approximately 146 miles, are located along Norton Sound, an inlet of the Bering Sea on Alaska’s western coast.
Search and rescue teams are actively working to reach the aircraft’s last known coordinates, according to state officials. The Alaska Department of Public Safety stated that they were alerted at 4:00 PM local time on Thursday (01:00 GMT) about an “overdue” aircraft operated by Bering Air. The missing plane was carrying nine passengers and a pilot, but authorities have not yet released details about those on board.
The volunteer fire department in Nome revealed that the pilot had informed air traffic controllers of his intention to enter a holding pattern while waiting for the runway to be cleared.
The Coast Guard has deployed a specialized search aircraft to scan the water and shoreline using advanced equipment designed to detect objects and people in low-visibility conditions. Additionally, Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage has provided flight support for the ongoing search operation.
The BBC has reached out to Bering Air for comment.
