Bering Air search intensifies as weather hampers rescue efforts
On Thursday, a Bering Air plane carrying 10 people on board, en route from Unalakleet to Nome, went missing. Intensive search efforts are currently underway.
Alaska State Troopers reported that the Bering Air Caravan plane, which had nine passengers and a pilot, went missing on Thursday during its flight from Unalakleet to Nome. Its arrival was delayed at 01:00 GMT.
Intensive searches
Clint Johnson, head of the National Transportation Safety Board office in Alaska, confirmed that the situation is being closely monitored. Search and rescue teams are working to determine the plane's last known coordinates.
The Nome Fire Department has confirmed that active searches are being conducted on the ground between Nome and White Mountain. However, adverse weather and limited visibility have hindered aerial search efforts.
The National Guard and the US Coast Guard have joined the search operation. A Coast Guard C-130 plane, equipped with specialist search equipment, is patrolling the area along the coast.
The Nome Fire Department has urged residents not to organise independent searches due to the challenging weather conditions.
Despite intensive efforts, the plane was still not located on Thursday evening. The pilot had previously informed flight controllers in Anchorage of the intention to wait for the runway in Nome to be cleared.
