The U.S. Coast Guard has disclosed the identities of the four Canadian individuals aboard the medical air transport aircraft from Hamilton that went missing in the Atlantic Ocean while en route to Boston from Bermuda on Saturday morning. On Monday night, the Coast Guard revealed the Canadian crew members as Philip Gregory Childerhose, Thomas Henry Farquhar, Sarah Jane Paton, and Jolene Beth Weir. These crew members, along with two Bermudians, were traveling to the United States on a Gulfstream G100 jet operated by Latitude Air Ambulance based in Hamilton.
The Bermudian passengers were identified by the Bermuda government 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 affected families and friends in a news release, emphasizing the support for the ongoing investigation by Canadian authorities.
Peter Byl, the president of Latitude, paid tribute to the crew members, highlighting their individual qualities and contributions to the company. Byl described Captain Philip Childerhose as a person of integrity and passion for aviation, while First Officer Thomas Farquhar was recognized as a beloved figure embodying kindness and support. Flight nurse Sarah Paton was remembered for her joyful presence and dedication to caring for others, and respiratory therapist Jolene Weir was praised for her love and compassion for both patients and loved ones.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSBC) has taken charge of the investigation due to the aircraft’s Canadian registration. Latitude acknowledged the presumed loss of life of all individuals on board the jet and pledged full cooperation with the investigative authorities. The search efforts, involving various aircraft and vessels, were called off by the Coast Guard after extensive searches in the vicinity of Nantucket.
Debris from the aircraft was located in the water, and recovery operations are underway. Mayor Andrea Horwath of Hamilton expressed sorrow over the tragic incident and extended condolences to the affected families and the Latitude team. Bermuda’s Premier David Burt and Health Minister Kim Wilson also conveyed sympathies and gratitude for the assistance provided by the Canadian crew during the distressing time.
The Coast Guard affirmed its commitment to collaborating with Canadian authorities and urged the public to report any findings related to the incident to the TSBC.