A major search and rescue operation is currently underway for Bering Air Flight 445, which vanished over the treacherous waters of Norton Sound, Alaska, with 10 individuals on board. The aircraft, identified as a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, was traveling from Unalakleet to Nome when it lost contact with air traffic controllers on Thursday afternoon.
The flight took off from the small village of Unalakleet, home to around 690 residents, at 2:37 PM local time. Approximately 38 minutes later, just before it was scheduled to land, communication was lost as the plane was about 12 miles offshore. According to David Olson, the director of operations for Bering Air, the aircraft's last known coordinates are being pursued by search crews.
“Staff at Bering Air is working hard to gather details, get emergency assistance, and mobilize search and rescue operations,” Olson stated. The intensity of the search is underscored by the involvement of multiple agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard and Alaska National Guard, alongside local volunteer fire departments.
Consequently, the search and rescue efforts have faced mounting challenges due to inclement weather. The Nome Volunteer Fire Department reported restrictions on air search operations, citing poor visibility resulting from fog and light snowfall. “Due to weather and visibility, we are limited on air search at the current time,” the department stated.
On the ground, rescue crews are scouring the rugged terrain from both Nome and White Mountain, where the search spans roughly 30 miles along the coastline. “Basically, you can’t see anything from the air or the ground, and in the dark, looking for something in zero visibility is a tough job,” said White Mountain Fire Chief Jack Adams, who expressed the difficulties his teams were facing.
The aircraft was carrying nine passengers along with the pilot, but their identities have yet to be released. Alaska’s U.S. senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan expressed their concern for the missing individuals and their families. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the passengers, their families, rescuers, and the Nome community,” both officials shared on social media.
The Nome Volunteer Fire Department continues to update the community as new information arises. While the search is underway, local hospitals remain on standby for any medical emergencies resulting from this incident. A family support center has been established at the Norton Sound Regional Hospital for relatives of those aboard the flight, indicating community solidarity during this challenging time.
Notably, this incident marks the third significant aviation mishap within the U.S. over the past week, following the tragic collisions involving commercial jetliners and medical transport planes. The rising trend of aviation incidents has raised questions about the safety protocols and environmental factors affecting air travel, particularly in rural areas.
Although the outlook for finding the missing aircraft remains uncertain, authorities remain untouched by the challenges of the weather, emphasizing their commitment to this search operation. They are also asking community members not to initiate individual search parties due to the hazardous conditions.
Alaska's unique geographical challenges make air travel particularly important for remote villages; many rely solely on flights for access to essentials. Bering Air, which was operating the flight, has been delivering services to over 32 communities across western Alaska for decades, emphasizing the importance of connectivity within this vast state.
With search efforts persistently underway, the local community holds hope for the safe return of those aboard Bering Air Flight 445, cherishing the enduring spirit of support and resilience.