A **search is underway** in Alaska for a **missing plane carrying 10 people** that **vanished on Thursday afternoon**. The **Bering Air flight**, traveling from **Unalakleet to Nome**, lost its position **12 miles offshore**, according to the **U.S. Coast Guard**.
Last Known Position and Search Efforts
Flight data from **FlightRadar** indicates that the **Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX** last reported at **3:16 p.m. over Norton Sound** before disappearing from radar.
In response, the **U.S. Coast Guard deployed an HC-130 Hercules aircraft** from **Air Station Kodiak** to search the plane’s **last known position**.
The **Nome Volunteer Fire Department** explained:
**“The plane will not land, but will fly a grid pattern over the water and shoreline in attempts to locate the aircraft. The plane is equipped with specialized search and rescue technology that enables it to detect objects and people even in low-visibility conditions.”**
About Bering Air and the Missing Flight
**Bering Air**, a regional airline based in **Nome**, provides **scheduled passenger and cargo flights seven days a week** to **32 remote communities along Alaska’s northwest coast**.
The missing flight had **nine passengers and one pilot** on board.
**David Olson, director of operations at Bering Air**, told the **Associated Press**:
**“Staff at Bering Air is working hard to gather details, get emergency assistance, and coordinate search and rescue efforts.”**
Search Teams and Extreme Weather Conditions
Authorities, including the **National Guard, Coast Guard, and Alaska State Troopers**, have mobilized ground and aerial search teams.
The **Nome Volunteer Fire Department** confirmed:
**“Crews are still searching on the ground, canvassing as much area as possible. Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson is also sending flight support through the Air Force.”**
Due to **hazardous weather and safety concerns**, officials have urged the **public not to form individual search parties**.
Survival Challenges in Bitter Cold
The **frigid Alaskan climate** presents a **serious risk to survival** for anyone stranded. Temperatures in **Unalakleet** were in the **low teens** at the time of the flight, with **snow and fog** creating **treacherous flying conditions**.
Officials and Lawmakers React
**Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK)** expressed his concern on **Facebook**, writing:
**“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.”**
Aviation Incidents on the Rise
This marks the **third aviation incident in recent weeks**:
- A **collision between a Black Hawk helicopter and a passenger jet**
- A **medevac jet crash in Philadelphia**
- Now, the **mysterious disappearance of the Bering Air flight**
The search efforts for the **missing aircraft and its passengers continue**, as **rescue teams work against time and extreme conditions** to bring them home safely.
