'No survivors’ expected as officials give update after wreckage of missing Alaska plane found
There are no survivors expected from a small aircraft which vanished earlier this week in Alaska.
On Thursday (6 February) a Cessna Caravan plane, operated by Bering Air, vanished from flight radar trackers during a flight in the western area of the US state.
The plane had departed from Unalakleet that afternoon and had been heading towards the city of Nome.
However, the aircraft's radio cut out at around 4pm, prompting the flight to be reported as missing and a rescue mission to be launched.
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A member of the city's volunteer fire department later stated the pilot had previously informed air traffic controllers that the flight had entered a 'holding pattern' while waiting for the ground to be cleared.
However, wreckage from the aircraft has since been located around 34 miles southeast of Nome, with no survivors expected.
Confirmation of the crash site and the status of the 10 people onboard the plane was revealed on Friday (7 February) by the US Coastguard.
"[The] #USCG has ended its search for the missing plane after the aircraft was located approx. 34 miles southeast of Nome. 3 individuals were found inside and reported to be deceased," US Coast Guard Alaska wrote on X.
"The remaining 7 people are believed to be inside the aircraft but are currently inaccessible due to the condition of the plane.
"Our heartfelt condolences are with those affected by this tragic incident."
It's understood the aircraft was a commuter plane and had been carrying nine passengers and one pilot.
In a press release, the US Coastguard added: "The Coast Guard determined the severity of the wreckage was beyond the possibility of survival."
Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski has also shared her condolences over the incident on social media and praised the rescue crews' efforts.
"My heart is broken over the news out of Nome. Alaska is a big small town," she wrote.
"When tragedy strikes, we’re never far removed from the Alaskans directly impacted. But that also means we come together as a community to grieve and heal.
"We are deeply grateful to the Alaska National Guard, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Nome Volunteer Fire Department, the Alaska State Troopers, and all those who braved dangerous conditions to conduct the search for the downed aircraft.
"All of Alaska is praying for the families and friends of those who lost loved ones, for the Bering Air family, and the communities of Unalakleet and Nome."
LADbible previously reached out to Bering Air for comment.
Brenna Cooper