Galveston Bay, December 24, 2025
A Mexican Navy Beechcraft Super King Air 350i crashed into Galveston Bay during a humanitarian mission, resulting in six fatalities and two survivors. The aircraft was transporting a pediatric burn patient when it went down near the Galveston Causeway. Emergency responders participated in extensive rescue and recovery efforts. The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing, with the FAA and NTSB involved.
Galveston
Six people were killed and two survived after a Mexican Navy Beechcraft Super King Air 350i plane crashed into Galveston Bay on Monday, December 22, 2025, during a humanitarian medical mission. The body of the last missing person, 29-year-old Navy Lieutenant Luis Enrique Castillo, was recovered on Tuesday evening, bringing the confirmed death toll to six out of eight people on board.
Details of the Crash
The aircraft, identified as a Mexican Navy Beechcraft Super King Air 350i, was transporting a pediatric burn patient along with seven other individuals when it went down in West Galveston Bay, near the Galveston Causeway. The flight originated from Mérida in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula and was destined for Shriners Children’s Hospital in Galveston, a mission coordinated with the Michou y Mau Foundation, a non-profit specializing in emergency transfers for children with severe burns. Initial reports indicated that there were four Navy crew members and four civilians aboard.
Rescue and Recovery Efforts
Emergency responders from multiple agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard, Galveston Police, Fire Department, and Sheriff’s Office, rushed to the crash site. Two individuals were rescued alive from the wreckage, with one woman described as having serious injuries, including a compound leg fracture. A local boater, identified as a “Good Samaritan,” played a crucial role in rescuing one of the survivors from the submerged plane amidst challenging conditions. Commercial divers assisted in the recovery operations, which were complicated by dense fog blanketing the area throughout Monday. The Mexican Navy (SEMAR México) confirmed the recovery of the final missing passenger on Tuesday evening.
Investigation Underway
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Teams from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have arrived at the scene to assess the wreckage and gather factual information. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is leading the investigation, with support from various local and federal agencies. Preliminary reports are expected within 30 days, while a final report detailing the probable cause could take 12 to 24 months. Dense fog has been cited as a potential contributing factor to the accident.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened in Galveston Bay?
- A Mexican Navy Beechcraft Super King Air 350i plane crashed into Galveston Bay on Monday, December 22, 2025, during a humanitarian medical mission.
- How many people were on board the Mexican Navy plane?
- There were eight people on board the aircraft: four Navy crew members and four civilians.
- How many fatalities were there in the plane crash?
- Six people were killed in the plane crash after the body of the last missing person was recovered on Tuesday evening.
- How many people survived the crash?
- Two people survived the crash and were rescued from the wreckage.
- What was the purpose of the flight?
- The flight was a humanitarian medical mission, transporting a pediatric burn patient to Shriners Children’s Hospital in Galveston, coordinated with the Michou y Mau Foundation.
- Which agencies are investigating the crash?
- The crash is being investigated by teams from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) leading the investigation.
Key Details of Mexican Navy Plane Crash
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Galveston Bay, near Galveston |
| Date of Crash | Monday, December 22, 2025 |
| Aircraft Type | Mexican Navy Beechcraft Super King Air 350i |
| Total People On Board | Eight |
| Fatalities | Six |
| Survivors | Two |
| Mission Type | Humanitarian medical transport (pediatric burn patient) |
| Recovery Status | All missing persons recovered |
| Primary Investigating Agencies | Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) |
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Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
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