The US Coast Guard (USCG) has suspended its search for six people who were onboard an air ambulance when it crashed off the coast of Nantucket, Massachusetts, on a journey from Bermuda to Boston.

USCG said the decision was taken after it and partner agency assets searched 4,445 square miles over approximately 66 hours.

“Suspending a search is not an easy decision,” said Rear Admiral Matthew Lake, Commander of the Northeast District in a statement issued on October 4. “We express our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones affected by the tragedy and our gratitude for our partner agencies who helped support search efforts.”

USCG said a future investigation into the cause of the incident will be coordinated by the appropriate investigative authorities.

The Gulfstream G100 jet, registered as C-GRJP, departed LF Wade International Airport in Bermuda at approximately 12:41 am on October 3 with four Canadian crew members and two Bermudian passengers.

At approximately 2 am, the US Federal Aviation Administration notified the Coast Guard that contact had been lost with the aircraft.

Debris from the aircraft was found on October 3 in an area between 80 and 90 feet deep, roughly 20 miles south of Nantucket.

Meanwhile, Latitude Air Ambulance has sent condolences to the families of its missing crew, the patient and the patient escort following the USCG’s announcement that it was ending the search and rescue mission for Heartbeat 104 Medevac.

“Our thoughts are first and foremost with their families, loved ones, friends, and colleagues,” Latitude said in a press release.

The company said the crew were valued members of the Latitude family.

“They dedicated themselves to providing care to people at some of the most difficult moments in their lives, and they were carrying out that mission when this tragedy occurred. We are grieving their loss deeply and will continue to support their families and our employees through the difficult days ahead,” the company said.

“We extend that same care and compassion to the family and loved ones of our patient and family escort. We ask that the privacy of all of the families involved be respected as they grieve.”

Peter Byl, President of Latitude Air Ambulance, commented: “This is an unimaginable loss for our Latitude family and for everyone who loved the six people aboard Heartbeat 104.”

“Our focus now is on supporting their families, supporting our people and assisting the authorities. We will honour our colleagues by remembering the care, professionalism, and commitment they brought to their work every day.”

Latitude added that it will continue to cooperate fully with the US National Transportation Safety Board, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada and all other relevant authorities as recovery efforts and the investigation proceed.