A tragic accident occurred on Monday when a small Mexican Navy plane crashed near Galveston, Texas, claiming the lives of at least five people. The plane was carrying a young medical patient and seven other individuals, comprising four Navy officers and four civilians, one of whom was a child. The crash prompted extensive rescue operations along the Texas coastline, which is situated approximately 50 miles (80.5 kilometers) southeast of Houston.
The aircraft was reportedly assisting in a medical mission in collaboration with the Michou and Mau Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing emergency transportation for Mexican children suffering from severe burns. Two of the passengers were affiliated with this nonprofit, which facilitates transfers to Shriners Children's Hospital in Galveston. The Mexican Navy expressed their condolences to the families affected by stating, "We are sending our deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this tragic accident."
According to U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Luke Baker, the recovery efforts confirmed that at least five individuals aboard the plane had succumbed, although their identities have not yet been disclosed. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with teams from the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board already on site to gather further information.
The crash took place on Monday afternoon in Galveston Bay, near the causeway that connects Galveston Island to the mainland. Emergency responders and search teams quickly mobilized to the area, a popular beach destination that attracts many visitors. Witnesses described the challenging conditions at the time of the incident, which involved thick fog reducing visibility significantly.
Sky Decker, a local yacht captain who lives close to the crash site, recounted his experience of assisting during the rescue efforts. He reported jumping into his boat and navigating through the fog to locate the submerged aircraft. Decker bravely entered the water to help a severely injured woman trapped under debris and chairs. He stated, "I couldn’t believe. She had maybe 3 inches of air gap to breathe in... She was really fighting for her life." Unfortunately, he also discovered a man who had already died in the wreckage.
The Mexican Navy's official statement noted that the plane experienced an "accident" while approaching Galveston, yet they did not provide further details. Meanwhile, meteorologists have indicated that foggy conditions have persisted in the region, an element that could potentially be linked to the accident. According to Cameron Batiste from the National Weather Service, visibility was reduced to about half a mile at around 2:30 p.m. on Monday when the fog thickened.
The Galveston County Sheriff's Office dispatched multiple units to the scene, including dive teams and crime scene investigators, as recovery operations continue. The investigation is ongoing as officials seek to determine the factors that contributed to this devastating crash.
