Additional Coverage:
- Multiple fatalities reported as Mexican Navy plane crashes off Texas coast, recovery effort underway (foxnews.com)
Mexican Navy Aircraft Crashes Near Galveston, Prompting Multi-Agency Rescue Effort
GALVESTON, TX – A Mexican Navy aircraft on a medical support mission crashed Monday near the Galveston Causeway, triggering a swift and widespread response from local law enforcement and Texas officials. The incident has led to a multi-agency investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
According to the Mexican Navy secretary, the plane was operating in coordination with the Michou and Mau Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to assisting children with severe burns, when it encountered an “incident during its approach” near Galveston. The aircraft involved has been identified as a King Air ANX 1209.
Eight individuals were aboard the aircraft at the time of the crash: four naval crew members and four civilians. Search and rescue protocols were immediately activated, with the U.S.
Coast Guard playing a pivotal role in the ongoing efforts. As of the latest reports, six people have been rescued, with four found alive and two fatalities confirmed.
Efforts are still underway to locate two additional individuals believed to be within the wreckage.
The Galveston County Sheriff’s Office confirmed their personnel, including the dive team, crime scene unit, drone unit, and patrol, are assisting at the scene. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is leading the crash investigation, with support from the sheriff’s office and the Galveston Police Department.
This is a developing story, and further details will be released as the investigation progresses.