A Cessna 208B Grand Caravan operated by Bering Air has gone missing while flying from Unalakleet to Nome in western Alaska, leaving the fate of its 10 occupants uncertain. The plane, which departed Unalakleet Airport at 2:37 p.m. local time, lost contact with air traffic control about 10 minutes before its expected arrival in Nome.

According to the Alaska State Troopers, the plane was reported overdue at 4 p.m. Thursday, prompting a search and rescue operation. The US Coast Guard, US Air Force, and local authorities are involved in the search, which is being hindered by poor weather conditions and low visibility.

The Nome Volunteer Fire Department is conducting active ground searches from Nome and White Mountain, but air searches are limited due to the weather. “The plane’s exact location is still unknown. We continue to expand search efforts to as many avenues as possible until the plane is located,” the fire department said in a statement.

Olson

Bering Air, a regional air service based in Nome, operates daily scheduled passenger and cargo flights to over 30 local communities. “Staff at Bering Air is working hard to gather details, get emergency assistance, search and rescue going,” said David Olson, director of operations for Bering Air.

Local hospitals are on standby, ready to respond to any possible medical emergency. The Norton Sound Health Corporation said it is “standing ready to respond to a community medical emergency.” The Norton Sound Regional Hospital has also set up a family center for loved ones of the passengers to gather while waiting for news.

Senator Dan Sullivan of Alaska expressed his concern on Facebook, saying, “We are hearing reports of a possible missing plane en route to Nome. Our thoughts and prayers are with the passengers, their families and the rescue crew”.