A small Mexican Navy aircraft crashed into Galveston Bay on Monday afternoon, killing at least five of the eight people on board. The incident sparked a frantic search along the Texas coast as emergency responders raced to the site. The crash occurred near the base of the causeway that links Galveston Island to the mainland, roughly 50 miles southeast of Houston. Authorities are still probing the cause of the accident.
The Crash
The aircraft was a small military plane operated by the Mexican Navy, transporting a young medical patient and seven others. The crash took place in Galveston Bay, close to the causeway base. Witnesses reported thick fog at the time of the incident. The Navy’s statement described the event as an “accident” during the plane’s approach to Galveston.
Casualties and Passengers
Officials confirmed that at least five people aboard died in the crash. Among those aboard were four Navy officers and four civilians, including a child. Two of the passengers were affiliated with a nonprofit that assists Mexican children suffering severe burns. The nonprofit provides emergency transports to Shriners Children’s Hospital in Galveston.
Rescue Efforts
Emergency responders and search teams rushed to the scene near the popular beach destination along the Texas coast. Sky Decker, a professional yacht captain living about a mile from the crash site, sprang into action. He was guided by two police officers through thick fog to a nearly submerged plane. Decker reported finding a badly injured woman trapped beneath chairs and debris.
Sky Decker’s Account
Decker described the woman as having only about three inches of air to breathe. He added, “I couldn’t believe. She had maybe 3 inches of air gap to breathe in. And there was jet fuel in there mixed with the water, fumes real bad. She was really fighting for her life.” He also pulled a man in front of her who had already died, both wearing civilian clothes.
Medical Mission and Foundations
The Mexican Navy stated the plane was part of a medical mission coordinated with the Michou and Mau Foundation. The foundation specializes in transporting children with life-threatening burns to Shriners Children’s Hospital in Galveston. In a social media post, the foundation wrote: “We express our deepest solidarity with the families in light of these events. We share their grief with respect and compassion, honoring their memory and reaffirming our commitment to providing humane, sensitive, and dignified care to children with burns.” It reaffirmed its commitment to humane, sensitive, and dignified care for burn patients.
Official Statements
U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Luke Baker said at least five aboard had died but did not identify passengers. Mexico’s Marines said in a statement that it is sending “its deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this tragic accident.” The Mexican Navy’s statement mentioned an accident during the approach but offered no further details. A spokesperson from the National Transportation Safety Board said they are “aware of this accident and are gathering information about it.”
Investigations and Search Teams
Teams from the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board arrived at the crash site, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. The Galveston County Sheriff’s Office reported that its dive team, crime scene unit, drone unit, and patrol were responding. The search is focused on waters along the Texas coast, especially around Galveston Bay. The investigation is ongoing, with investigators gathering data from the wreckage and surrounding area.
Weather Conditions
Foggy conditions had persisted in the area over the past few days. National Weather Service meteorologist Cameron Batiste reported that at about 2:30 p.m. Monday a fog entered the region with visibility around half a mile. It is not yet clear whether the weather contributed to the crash. The fog was described as thick, making navigation difficult.
Plane Details
The aircraft was described by the Navy as a small plane used for transport missions. It was carrying a young medical patient, indicating a humanitarian purpose. The plane’s mission involved transporting patients to a hospital in Galveston. The aircraft was operating under Mexican Navy jurisdiction.
Search Operations
Search teams are combing the bay for debris and survivors. The Texas Department of Public Safety reported that the search is concentrated along the Texas coast. The Coast Guard is coordinating rescue efforts in the water. The investigation includes underwater searches for wreckage and evidence.
Community Impact
The crash occurred near a popular beach destination, raising concerns among local residents. The incident has drawn attention to the safety of small aircraft operating near the coast. Local authorities are monitoring the situation closely.
Future Investigations
Investigators from FAA and NTSB are collecting data to determine the cause of the crash. The Mexican Navy’s statement indicates the accident happened during approach. No definitive cause has been announced yet. The investigation will likely involve analysis of flight data and wreckage.
International Response
Mexico’s Marines extended condolences to the families of the deceased. The Mexican Navy has been transparent about the incident in its statement. The U.S. Coast Guard is actively involved in the search and rescue. International cooperation is evident in the presence of FAA and NTSB teams.
Public Reaction
News of the crash has spread quickly across social media. People have expressed condolences and support for the families. The foundation’s post on social media received widespread attention.
Concluding Thoughts
At least five people lost their lives in a tragic crash near Galveston Bay on Monday. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities gathering evidence from the wreckage and surrounding waters. Rescue teams continue to search for survivors and debris. The incident highlights the risks of small aircraft operations near coastal areas.
Aftermath
The incident has drawn attention to aviation safety protocols. Authorities are compiling a report on the event. The incident has highlighted the importance of emergency response readiness. The community continues to monitor developments.
