Alaska State Troopers have confirmed that all 10 people aboard the missing Bering Air flight, including nine passengers and the pilot, have died.
“Our hearts are heavy with grief as we process this heartbreaking news. Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones affected by this tragedy,” the Alaska State Troopers said in a statement on Saturday.
Recovery efforts were set to begin on Saturday on the sea ice, approximately 34 miles southeast of Nome, where the plane crashed.
The wreckage was discovered on Friday, with three bodies initially found inside, according to the Coast Guard. The remaining seven passengers were also believed to be in the wreckage, but authorities stated they were currently inaccessible due to the condition of the aircraft.
“Our heartfelt condolences are with those affected by this tragic incident,” the Coast Guard said.
A search-and-rescue team located the wreckage using a USCG MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter, deploying rescue swimmers to assess the scene. The Alaska State Troopers will oversee body recovery efforts, USCG Lt. Commander Mike Salerno told ABC News.
Bering Air Flight 445, a Cessna 208B, went missing on Thursday while en route from Unalakleet Airport to Nome Airport. The aircraft was last tracked 12 miles offshore before losing position at approximately 3:18 p.m. local time. The Coast Guard later identified an “item of interest” during search operations.
Radar analysis indicated that the plane experienced a sudden loss of altitude, though officials have not speculated on the cause. Multiple agencies, including the Alaska Army National Guard, Alaska State Troopers, and Nome Volunteer Fire Department, were involved in the search-and-rescue mission.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the crash, with NTSB chair Jennifer Homendy traveling to Alaska this weekend.
