Search Underway for Medical Jet Off Nantucket Coast

Why it matters locally: The medical evacuation jet was en route to Boston Logan International Airport, a major hub for Massachusetts, and the incident occurred off the coast of Nantucket, directly impacting a Massachusetts island.

NANTUCKET, Mass. — The U.S. Coast Guard began a search operation off the coast of Nantucket, Massachusetts, after a medical evacuation jet declared an emergency and subsequently lost communication. The Bombardier Challenger 604 aircraft was en route from Bermuda to Boston Logan International Airport when the incident occurred. Six individuals were aboard the flight, according to authorities. Air traffic controllers reported receiving a distress call from the aircraft at approximately 10:10 p.m. ET on Thursday. The pilot indicated a “blind” approach was necessary due to an unspecified issue. Shortly after the emergency declaration, communication with the jet ceased. The last known position of the aircraft placed it approximately 86 miles south of Nantucket. The Coast Guard deployed resources, including a fixed-wing aircraft and a cutter, to the search area. The multi-agency effort is continuing.