Six people aboard an Ontario air ambulance that went missing last weekend over the Atlantic Ocean have now been identified.
On Monday night, the U.S. Coast Guard released the names of four Canadians that were on the medical transport aircraft, which disappeared early Saturday morning while flying from Bermuda to Boston amid reported electrical difficulties.
Crews found a debris field off the coast of Nantucket, Mass. hours later following an extensive search and rescue operation. The federal law enforcement agency and military service announced on Sunday that it is suspending its search.
The four Canadians are Philip Gregory Childerhose, Thomas Henry Farquhar, Sarah Jane Paton, and Jolene Beth Weir.
“During this incredibly difficult time, our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and friends impacted by this tragic incident,” Rear Adm. Matthew Lake, commander of the Coast Guard Northeast District, said in a release.
“We are grateful to the crews and partner agencies who quickly responded to this incident, and we will continue to support our Canadian partners as they conduct their investigation.”
2 Bermudan nationals also aboard aircraft
Earlier today, Bermuda Police Service also identified the two Bermudan nationals who were also on the plane. They are Marilyn Lavonne Bean, 66, and her son Sergio Wayne Lottimore, 41.
Police, in a post on Facebook, said a family liaison officer from the force has been appointed to assist Bean and Lottimore’s relatives “during this difficult time.”
“The BPS extends sincere condolences,” they wrote.
Occupants presumed dead
Late Sunday night, Latitude Air Ambulance, of Hamilton, Ont., issued a statement about its crew members aboard its Gulfstream G100 aircraft, which is known as “Heartbeat 104 Medevac.”
“Given the information shared by authorities and the conclusion of the search and rescue phase, we must now face the heartbreaking reality that the four members of our Latitude team, our patient and the patient’s family escort, who were aboard Heartbeat 104, are presumed to have died,” the company wrote.
President Peter Byl called the tragedy an “unimaginable loss for our Latitude family and for everyone who loved the six people aboard Heartbeat 104.”
“Our focus now is on supporting their families, supporting our people and assisting the authorities. We will honour our colleagues by remembering the care, professionalism, and commitment they brought to their work every day,” he said.
Latitude Air Ambulance said its four crew members were valued and expressed its gratitude to all who “worked tirelessly” in the search for the “professionalism, determination, and compassion” that “never be forgotten.”
“They dedicated themselves to providing care to people at some of the most difficult moments in their lives, and they were carrying out that mission when this tragedy occurred,” the company wrote.
TSB to lead investigation
Canada’s Transportation Safety Board (TSB) will be leading the investigation into the Oct. 3 crash.
In a statement, the TSB said it will deploy investigators to assist in the search and recovery of the aircraft with the help of the National Transportation Safety Board.
The TSB is an independent agency that investigates air, marine, pipeline, and rail transportation occurrences.
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‘Tragic loss of life’
Tributes have begun pouring in for the occupants as the recovery mission continues.
On Monday, Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath called the incident a “tragic loss of life.”
“My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of those who were aboard, and to the entire Latitude team as they mourn the loss of their colleagues and friends,” Horwath said in a post on social media.
“Latitude is part of our Hamilton community, operating out of Hamilton International Airport. On behalf of the @cityofhamilton, I extend my deepest condolences to everyone affected by this tragedy.”
Bermuda Premier David Burt also offered condolences on behalf of the government and people of Bermuda on Monday.
“While we held out hope for the best, the worst fears have been realized and so our first thoughts are with the families of those so tragically lost,” his statement read.
“Let us open our hearts to the families in the hope that our expressions of love, support and compassion will bring some comfort as they attempt to deal with this terrible loss.”
In a post on social media on Monday, Ornge air ambulance responded to the news about the suspension of the search.
“As an organization whose people work in aviation & critical care transport every day, we know this news will be particularly difficult,” the statement read.
“Everyone at Ornge is thinking of those affected & extending our deepest sympathies to the families, loved ones and colleagues of those onboard.”
With files from CTV News Toronto’s Jermaine Wilson
