The U.S. Coast Guard has identified all six individuals who were on board an Ontario-based air ambulance that disappeared off the Massachusetts coast over the weekend. The crew members from Canada were Philip Gregory Childerhose, Thomas Henry Farquhar, Sarah Jane Paton, and Jolene Beth Weir, all working for Latitude Air Ambulance. The two passengers from Bermuda were Marilyn Lavonne Bean and her son, Sergio Wayne Lottimore.
Lottimore, an insurance professional, was praised for his academic achievements and leadership qualities by his former school. Rear Adm. Matthew Lake of the U.S. Coast Guard expressed condolences to those affected by the tragic incident.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) will lead the investigation into the accident, as confirmed by the U.S. Coast Guard. Latitude Air Ambulance provided additional information about the crew members, highlighting their unique qualities and contributions to the company.
The company emphasized that the crew dedicated themselves to assisting people during critical moments and expressed gratitude to the search and rescue teams involved. It pledged to support the families of the crew and requested privacy during this difficult time.
The air ambulance, known as Heartbeat 104, was en route from Bermuda to Boston when it vanished. The pilot had reported electrical issues and declared an emergency before losing contact with air-traffic control. Debris from the aircraft was discovered 32 kilometers off Nantucket, leading to the suspension of the search and rescue operation.
Latitude Air Ambulance acknowledged the heartbreaking reality of the situation and presumed that the crew and passengers had perished. The company vowed to cooperate with investigators and honor the memory of those lost in the tragic incident.
