A Mexican Navy King Air ANX‑1209 crashed into the Gulf of Mexico near Galveston on Monday, killing five of the eight passengers aboard.
Accident During Medical Mission
On Monday a Mexican Navy King Air ANX‑1209 lost contact at 15:01 local time while approaching Galveston Island, Gulf of Mexico. Flight operations were part of a medical mission organized by the Michou y Mau foundation to assist children with severe burns.
Casualty Figures
The aircraft carried eight people: four military personnel and four civilians. Five passengers were killed on the scene, two were rescued, and the fate of one remains unknown. Rescue teams – police, firefighters, and divers – faced difficult weather conditions while searching.
Witness Account
Local yacht captain Sky Decker was among the first responders. He described finding a severely injured woman trapped in the wreck with only a few centimeters of space to breathe. The interior contained water mixed with aviation fuel and dense fumes.
Search and Rescue Operations
The Mexican Navy coordinated with the U.S. Coast Guard to conduct the search. Divers worked in challenging conditions, and the wreck was partially submerged in the Gulf. Video footage shows the aircraft heavily damaged.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the accident, a very dense fog covered the region, severely limiting visibility. An incident report confirmed that the pilot reported no technical problems before the loss of contact.
Investigation
The crash is under investigation by authorities in Mexico and the United States. The Michou y Mau foundation issued a statement expressing condolences to the families of the victims and thanking rescuers for their efforts.
