The U.S. Coast Guard located the wreckage of a Bering Air Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX on Alaskan sea ice southeast of Nome on Friday afternoon. The plane, carrying nine passengers and a pilot, vanished from radar on Thursday during a routine flight from Unalakleet to Nome. Tragically, all ten adults aboard are believed to have perished in the crash. Three deceased individuals were found inside the wreckage, but the remaining seven are inaccessible due to the plane's condition.

The Coast Guard's discovery followed an extensive search involving C-130 Hercules aircraft from the National Guard and Air Force. FlightRadar data indicates the plane's last reported position was over Norton Sound at 3:16 p.m. local time Thursday, with a sudden loss of altitude and speed just two minutes later.

Two rescue swimmers were deployed to the crash site, confirming the absence of survivors. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy expressed condolences and pledged the Department of Transportation's full support, noting the FAA's involvement in the accident investigation. Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy also shared his grief and offered prayers for the victims' families and communities.