Galveston, Texas, December 23, 2025
A tragic crash involving a Mexican Navy plane conducting a medical mission near Galveston has resulted in at least five fatalities. The aircraft, carrying a medical patient and several personnel, went down in Galveston Bay amid foggy conditions. Rescue efforts faced challenges due to reduced visibility. Authorities, including the U.S. Coast Guard and the FAA, are investigating the incident, which involved a nonprofit organization dedicated to aiding critically injured children. The Mexican Navy has expressed condolences and is cooperating with local authorities.
Galveston, Texas: Mexican Navy Plane Crash Claims at Least Five Lives
Galveston, Texas – A Mexican Navy plane on a medical mission crashed near Galveston on Monday, December 22, 2025, resulting in at least five fatalities. The aircraft, a Beech King Air 350i, was transporting a young medical patient and seven others when it went down in Galveston Bay, close to the causeway connecting Galveston Island to the mainland. The crash occurred around 3:17 p.m. local time.
Details of the Crash
The plane was carrying eight individuals: four Navy officers and four civilians, including a child. Two of the passengers were affiliated with the Michou and Mau Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides aid to Mexican children with severe burns, including transports to Shriners Children’s Hospital in Galveston.
U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Luke Baker confirmed that at least five people aboard the plane had died, though the specific identities of the victims have not been disclosed.
Rescue and Investigation Efforts
Emergency responders, including the U.S. Coast Guard and local authorities, initiated search and rescue operations in challenging foggy conditions. A professional yacht captain, Sky Decker, assisted in the rescue efforts, locating a severely injured woman trapped beneath debris and recovering a deceased man from the submerged plane.
The cause of the crash is under investigation. Teams from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have arrived at the scene to gather information. The Galveston County Sheriff’s Office is also involved, with personnel from its dive team, crime scene unit, drone unit, and patrol assisting in the response.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the crash, the area was experiencing foggy conditions, with visibility reduced to about half a mile. The National Weather Service reported that at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Monday, fog had set in, affecting visibility.
Background on the Mission
The Mexican Navy plane was conducting a medical support mission in coordination with the Michou and Mau Foundation. The foundation provides emergency transports to children with life-threatening burns to Shriners Children’s Hospital in Galveston. The plane had taken off from Mérida, Mexico, and was en route to Galveston when the accident occurred.
Official Responses
Mexico’s Navy expressed its deepest condolences to the families of those affected. The Navy stated that it is assisting local authorities with the search and rescue operation and is committed to investigating the cause of the crash.
The Galveston County Sheriff’s Office has urged the public to avoid the area to allow emergency responders to work safely. The incident remains under investigation, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What caused the Mexican Navy plane to crash near Galveston?
The cause of the crash is under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). As of now, no official conclusions have been released.
How many people were on board the plane, and what were their affiliations?
The plane was carrying eight individuals: four Navy officers and four civilians, including a child. Two of the passengers were affiliated with the Michou and Mau Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides aid to Mexican children.
Were weather conditions a factor in the crash?
At the time of the crash, the area was experiencing foggy conditions, with visibility reduced to about half a mile. The National Weather Service reported that at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Monday, fog had set in, affecting visibility.
What is the Michou and Mau Foundation and what role did it play in this incident?
The Michou and Mau Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides emergency transports to children with life-threatening burns to Shriners Children’s Hospital in Galveston. Two of the passengers on the plane were affiliated with this foundation, assisting in the transport of a young medical patient.
What actions have been taken by authorities in response to the crash?
Emergency responders, including the U.S. Coast Guard and local authorities, initiated search and rescue operations in challenging foggy conditions. Teams from the FAA and the NTSB have arrived at the scene to gather information. The Galveston County Sheriff’s Office is also involved, with personnel from its dive team, crime scene unit, and patrol assisting in the response.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Galveston Bay, near the causeway connecting Galveston Island to the mainland, approximately 50 miles southeast of Houston, Texas. |
| Aircraft | Beech King Air 350i, operated by the Mexican Navy. |
| Mission | Medical support mission in coordination with the Michou and Mau Foundation, transporting a young medical patient and seven others. |
| Casualties | At least five fatalities; identities of victims not yet disclosed. |
| Weather Conditions | Foggy conditions with reduced visibility to about half a mile at the time of the crash. |
| Investigation | Underway by the FAA and NTSB; Galveston County Sheriff’s Office assisting with search and rescue operations. |
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