A Mexican Navy aircraft engaged in a humanitarian medical mission crashed into the waters off the coast of Galveston, Texas, on Monday, resulting in five fatalities and leaving one individual missing. The US Coast Guard has initiated extensive search operations for the missing person.
The aircraft, which departed from Merida in Mexico’s Yucatan state, was transporting eight individuals. It was performing a specialized medical evacuation coordinated with a Mexican foundation dedicated to providing care for children suffering from severe burns. The flight was approaching its destination near Scholes International Airport in Galveston when the accident occurred.
Initial reports from the Mexican Navy Secretariat confirmed two survivors and two fatalities. However, the death toll was later revised upward to five. The precise cause of the crash remains under investigation. The incident underscores the inherent risks associated with aerial medical transport missions, even those conducted by military personnel for humanitarian purposes. The international collaboration between Mexican and US authorities highlights the cross-border efforts in emergency response and tragedy management.