The U.S. Coast Guard has revealed the identities of the four Canadian individuals on board the medical air transport aircraft that disappeared in the Atlantic Ocean while en route from Bermuda to Boston early Saturday.
On Monday evening, the Coast Guard disclosed that the Canadian crew members were Philip Gregory Childerhose from Oakville, Ont., Thomas Henry Farquhar from Brantford, Ont., nurse Sarah Jane Paton from Niagara, and Jolene Beth Weir.
The crew, along with two Bermudians, departed Bermuda on a Gulfstream G100 jet operated by Latitude Air Ambulance based in Hamilton.
The Bermudians on board were identified by the Bermuda government as 66-year-old Marilyn Lavonne Bean and her 41-year-old son, Sergio Wayne Lottimore, confirmed by the Coast Guard.
Rear Adm. Matthew Lake, commander of the Coast Guard Northeast District, expressed condolences to the families and friends affected by the tragic incident and praised the quick response of the crews and partner agencies.
Latitude President Peter Byl emphasized that the crew members were more than just names, highlighting their significance as colleagues, friends, and integral parts of the company.
Philip Childerhose, the captain, was described as a person of great integrity and passion for aviation, deeply dedicated to his family and colleagues. Thomas Farquhar, the first officer, was remembered as a beloved individual who reflected kindness and generosity to all.
Sarah Paton, the flight nurse, was praised for her selflessness, dedication to patient care, and vibrant personality. Jolene Weir, the respiratory therapist, was known for her exceptional care and love for others.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) will lead the investigation due to the aircraft being registered in Canada, with initial suspicions pointing towards a possible electrical system malfunction.
Despite extensive search efforts by the Coast Guard and National Guard, including fixed-wing aircraft and sea vessels, the search for survivors was called off, and the individuals on board are presumed to have perished.
The recovery and investigation process will be conducted in collaboration with relevant authorities to determine the cause of the tragic incident. The company urged for privacy and respect for the families of the deceased during this challenging time.
The government of Bermuda extended condolences to the families and highlighted the invaluable service provided by the Canadian crew.
The Coast Guard emphasized continued coordination with Canadian authorities and urged the public to contact the TSBC if they locate any debris from the aircraft in the water.
