Five Dead in Mexican Navy Medical Mission Plane Crash Off Texas Coast

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Mexican Navy Plane Crash in Galveston Bay Claims Five Lives

A Mexican Navy aircraft, engaged in a medical transport mission, crashed on Monday near Galveston, Texas. The incident resulted in the deaths of at least five individuals among the eight people on board.

  • Details of the Incident

    • The plane was transporting a young medical patient and seven other individuals.
    • Mexico's Navy confirmed that four of those aboard were Navy officers and four were civilians, which included a child.
    • Two civilian passengers were affiliated with the Michou and Mau Foundation, a nonprofit organization that facilitates aid and transport for Mexican children with severe burns to a hospital in Galveston.
    • The U.S. Coast Guard reported at least five fatalities. Identities of the deceased have not been publicly released.

  • Location and Response

    • The crash occurred Monday afternoon in Galveston Bay, near the causeway connecting Galveston Island to the mainland.
    • Emergency responders and search teams were dispatched to the scene, located approximately 50 miles (80.5 kilometers) southeast of Houston.
    • Sky Decker, a local yacht captain, reported assisting in the rescue efforts, navigating through thick fog to reach the partially submerged aircraft. He observed one individual trapped with limited air supply and the presence of jet fuel in the water.

  • Investigation and Statements

    • The cause of the crash is currently under investigation.
    • Mexico's Navy issued a statement conveying condolences to the families of those who died.
    • The Michou and Mau Foundation also expressed solidarity with the affected families.
    • Teams from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are on site to investigate.
    • The Galveston County Sheriff's Office dive team, crime scene unit, drone unit, and patrol are also involved in the response.

  • Weather Conditions

    • The area experienced foggy conditions, with visibility reported at approximately half a mile around the time of the crash on Monday afternoon. It is not yet determined if weather was a contributing factor.