February 7, 2025: A desperate search is underway in western Alaska after a small aircraft carrying 10 people vanished over the icy waters of Norton Sound on Thursday afternoon. The Bering Air Cessna Caravan was flying from Unalakleet to Nome with nine passengers and a pilot when officials lost contact with it, prompting an immediate response from search and rescue teams.

Authorities are working to determine the plane’s last known location as crews continue their search efforts through harsh winter conditions. The Nome Volunteer Fire Department has deployed ground teams along the coast from Nome to Topkok, but poor weather and low visibility have made aerial searches nearly impossible. Officials have urged the public to avoid launching independent search efforts, warning that the dangerous conditions could put more lives at risk.

The US Coast Guard is preparing to search the missing aircraft’s last known position, which was recorded 12 miles offshore. The National Guard and state troopers have also joined the rescue operation, hoping to locate any sign of the plane. David Olson, Director of Operations for Bering Air, said that the airline is working tirelessly to coordinate emergency response efforts. Bering Air, which serves 32 villages in western Alaska, plays a crucial role in transportation for remote communities where air travel is often the only viable option, especially in winter.

The disappearance of the Cessna Caravan marks the third major aviation incident in the United States in just over a week. On January 29, a commercial jetliner and an Army helicopter collided near Washington, D.C., killing 67 people. Two days later, a medical transport plane crashed in Philadelphia, claiming seven lives. The latest incident has further heightened concerns over aviation safety.

As the search continues, families and officials remain hopeful for a positive outcome. With multiple agencies now involved in the rescue operation, authorities are expected to provide further updates as the situation develops.