A Mexican navy aircraft conducting a humanitarian medical mission crashed into the waters near Galveston, Texas on Monday afternoon, claiming at least five lives, including that of a 2-year-old child.
The crash occurred at approximately 3:17 p.m. local time near the base of a causeway along the Texas coast, some 50 miles southeast of Houston. The Mexican navy confirmed that eight people were aboard the aircraft at the time of the incident: four naval officers and four civilians.
The U.S. Coast Guard reported that two survivors were transported to area hospitals, though their conditions have not been disclosed. A 27-year-old passenger emerged from the crash uninjured. One person remained missing as of Monday evening, according to Mexican naval authorities.
The aircraft had been operating in coordination with the Michou and Mau Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides emergency medical transport for children suffering from life-threatening burns. The foundation facilitates transport to Shriners Children’s hospital in Galveston, which specializes in pediatric burn treatment.
In a statement, the foundation expressed solidarity with the affected families, pledging to honor the victims’ memory while reaffirming its commitment to providing dignified care to children in need.
Sky Decker, a professional yacht captain residing approximately one mile from the crash site, responded immediately upon learning of the accident. Decker transported two police officers through dense fog to the crash location, where the aircraft was nearly completely submerged.
Decker entered the water and discovered a severely injured woman trapped beneath chairs and debris, with only three inches of breathing space remaining. He described the harrowing conditions, noting the presence of jet fuel mixed with water and the woman’s desperate struggle for survival. Decker also recovered a deceased male passenger who had been seated in front of the woman. Both victims were dressed in civilian clothing.
The Mexican navy has pledged a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash and is assisting local authorities with search and rescue operations.
Federal authorities have deployed teams from both the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board to the crash site. The Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed their arrival, while the NTSB stated it is gathering information about the accident.
The Galveston County Sheriff’s Office mobilized multiple units in response to the tragedy, including its dive team, crime scene unit, drone unit, and patrol division.
Weather conditions may have played a role in the accident. Cameron Batiste, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, confirmed that the region has experienced persistent fog over recent days. He noted that fog rolled into the area around 2:30 p.m. Monday, reducing visibility to approximately half a mile.
The investigation into this tragedy continues as authorities work to recover the missing passenger and determine the precise circumstances that led to this devastating loss of life during what was intended as a mission of mercy.
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