Update on searches for possible survivors of downed aircraft

Feb 9th, 2009 · Comments Off on Update on searches for possible survivors of downed aircraft

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Rescuers located the body of one male Monday from the Cessna 206 single-engine aircraft that went down approximately a half mile off the coast of Quebradillas, Puerto Rico, Sunday.

Coast Guard Sector San Juan Joint Rescue Sub Center controllers received initial notification from a 911 operator at 6:51 p.m. Sunday, reporting that an aircraft had crashed into the waters off of Quebradillas.

Coast Guard controllers launched HH-65 Dolphin helicopter crews from Air Station Borinquen, Puerto Rico, and diverted the Coast Guard Cutter Matinicus to initiate searches for the missing aircraft and possible survivors. A Puerto Rico Police Joint Forces For Rapid Action F.U.R.A. helicopter and marine unit and members of the Civil Air Patrol also responded to the scene. Puerto Rico Police and Puerto Rico Emergency Management Agency rescue crews are conducting land searches around the Quebradillas shoreline.

Still missing are five males, all U.S. citizens, who reportedly departed from Casa de Campo International Airport Sunday afternoon aboard a privately owned aircraft chartered by Tropical Aviation Corp. The aircraft and passengers aboard reportedly were scheduled to land at the Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport, Carolina, to clear U.S. Customs prior to arriving at their final destination at the Isla Grande Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The Coast Guard has completed a total of 10 searches, seven by helicopter crews and and three by the Matinicus crew. All searches will conclude at sunset and will resume at first light Tuesday.

The man’s identity is being withheld pending next-of-kin notification.