NOME, USA — A Bering Air Cessna Caravan carrying 10 people was found crashed in Alaska on Friday, February 7, 2025, a day after it failed to reach its destination in Nome.
The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed the discovery of the wreckage approximately 34 miles southeast of Nome, with no survivors expected.
Coast Guard officials reported that three bodies were found inside the aircraft, while the remaining seven individuals are believed to be inside the wreckage, which was deemed inaccessible due to the severity of the crash.
“The Coast Guard determined the severity of the wreckage was beyond the possibility of survival,” the agency stated.
#UPDATE (1/2) #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. pic.twitter.com/XndzBYHdCE
— USCGAlaska (@USCGAlaska) February 8, 2025
Two rescue swimmers were lowered by helicopter to the crash site, where they located the three deceased individuals in the forward part of the aircraft, according to officials.
Flight Details and Last Contact
The Bering Air flight departed from Unalakleet, a remote community on Alaska’s Norton Sound, at 2:37 p.m. on Thursday.
The aircraft, carrying nine passengers and one pilot, was en route to Nome, roughly 140 miles away.
Radar analysis indicates that at 3:18 p.m., the aircraft suffered a sudden and rapid loss in altitude and speed, according to Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Benjamin McIntyre-Coble.
Officials have not yet determined the cause of the crash.
Investigation and Recovery Efforts
Authorities, including the Nome Volunteer Fire Department and the Alaska National Guard, are mobilizing a recovery effort.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation to determine what led to the tragic accident.
Nome and Unalakleet are not connected by roads, making air travel a primary mode of transportation between the two locations, especially in winter when harsh conditions limit other travel options.
Condolences from Leaders
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy expressed his condolences, saying he and his wife, Rose, were “heartbroken by the loss of the 10 people on the Bering Air flight.”
“Our prayers are with the families, friends, and communities mourning this tragedy,” he said in a statement.
Senator Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, also reacted to the devastating news, emphasising the deep impact on the close-knit Alaskan community.
“Alaska is a big small town. When tragedy strikes, we’re never far removed from the Alaskans directly impacted,” Murkowski said.
“But that also means we come together as a community to grieve and heal.”
The U.S. Coast Guard, in a statement on X, extended its “heartfelt condolences” to those affected by the crash.
