The United States Coast Guard has confirmed the recovery of debris from an Ontario air ambulance that went missing off the eastern coast of the United States early on Saturday morning, October 3, 2026. The aircraft, which lost contact with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), was en route from Bermuda to Boston when it disappeared from radar.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, a search operation was immediately initiated after the FAA reported the aircraft missing. The search efforts are focused off the coast of Nantucket, an island located approximately 150 kilometers southeast of Boston. This operation includes the deployment of two planes, a rescue lifeboat, a helicopter, and a cutter, as detailed in their social media update.
The plane in question is a Gulfstream G100 jet belonging to Latitude Air Ambulance, a medical evacuation service based in Hamilton, Ontario. On board the aircraft were six individuals, including four Canadians and two Bermudian nationals. The passengers consisted of a patient in need of medical evacuation, a family member accompanying them, and a crew made up of two pilots and two medical staff members.
Clarence Togeretz, operations manager for Latitude Air Ambulance, shared with The Canadian Press that the flight had been tracked until contact was lost around 1:30 a.m. on Saturday, shortly before the plane was due to land in Boston. Following the loss of communication, Latitude Air Ambulance promptly notified the U.S. Coast Guard to initiate search and rescue operations.
Togeretz expressed a hopeful attitude regarding the situation, stating, “We’re dealing with the situation with as much positivity and optimism as we can.” He further remarked, “We’re praying for a safe outcome,” emphasizing the strong emotional investment the company has in the missing aircraft and its passengers. He noted that this was the first incident of this nature for Latitude Air Ambulance, which specializes in emergency medical transport globally.
The Government of Bermuda acknowledged the situation, confirming that they were aware of the air ambulance's disappearance and stating that the U.S. Coast Guard is actively conducting search and rescue operations. In a social media update, they mentioned their ongoing efforts to locate the missing aircraft.
The Ontario-based air ambulance service provider, Ornge, also reacted to the news, expressing their hope for a swift and safe recovery of the aircraft and all passengers. Togeretz mentioned that Latitude Air Ambulance is maintaining communication with Transport Canada regarding the incident.
In response to the crisis, Federal Transportation Minister Steven MacKinnon stated that he had been informed of the situation and is closely monitoring the developments as search and rescue efforts proceed. He communicated his thoughts and support for everyone on board, alongside their families, loved ones, and colleagues during this challenging time.
The unfolding situation has drawn significant attention as families and the public remain concerned for the welfare of those on board the missing aircraft. The Coast Guard continues to urge anyone with information regarding the flight to come forward as the search efforts persist.
