The U.S. Coast Guard has disclosed the identities of the four Canadian individuals aboard the medical air transport plane from Hamilton that went missing in the Atlantic Ocean while en route to Boston from Bermuda on Saturday. On Monday night, the Coast Guard revealed that the Canadian crew members were Philip Gregory Childerhose, Thomas Henry Farquhar, Sarah Jane Paton, and Jolene Beth Weir.
These crew members, along with two Bermudians, were on a Gulfstream G100 jet operated by Hamilton’s Latitude Air Ambulance flying from Bermuda to the United States. The Bermuda government identified the Bermudians as 66-year-old Marilyn Lavonne Bean and her 41-year-old son, Sergio Wayne Lottimore.
Rear Adm. Matthew Lake, commander of the Coast Guard Northeast District, expressed condolences to the families and friends affected by the tragic incident. He commended the swift response of the crews and partner agencies and pledged ongoing support to Canadian authorities leading the investigation.
Latitude president Peter Byl emphasized that the crew members were more than just names; they were valued colleagues and cherished members of the company’s family. Byl provided heartfelt descriptions of each crew member, highlighting their unique contributions and personalities.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSBC) announced it would spearhead the investigation since the jet was Canadian-registered. Initial findings suggest a possible issue with the aircraft’s electrical system.
Despite extensive search efforts by the Coast Guard and National Guard in the vicinity of Nantucket, spanning 11,500 square kilometers, the black box containing crucial data from the jet had not been recovered as of Sunday. Latitude acknowledged the grim reality that survival was unlikely for those aboard the aircraft.
Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath expressed deep sorrow over the loss and extended sympathies to the affected families and the Latitude team. She emphasized the community’s support for those impacted by the tragedy.
Bermuda’s Premier David Burt and Health Minister Kim Wilson conveyed their condolences and gratitude for the Canadian crew’s dedication in providing critical assistance to families in need. The Coast Guard reiterated its collaboration with Canadian authorities and urged the public to report any debris from the jet to the TSBC.
