The Cessna Caravan left Unalakleet at 2:37 p.m., and officials lost contact with it less than an hour later, according to David Olson, director of operations for Bering Air. The aircraft was 12 miles (19 kilometers) offshore, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

A Cessna operated by Bering Air also went missing in Alaska, prompting rescue efforts. These incidents add to a history of mysterious aviation disappearances, including Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 and several others.