Tragedy Strikes Humanitarian Mission in Galveston Bay
A Mexican Navy aircraft, a Beech King Air 350i with call sign ANX1209, crashed into Galveston Bay on Monday afternoon, December 22, 2025, resulting in the confirmed deaths of at least five people. The plane was on a humanitarian medical mission, transporting a pediatric burn patient from Merida, Mexico, for specialized care in Galveston, Texas. Two individuals survived the crash, while one person remains unaccounted for and is presumed deceased.
The incident occurred around 3:15 p.m. local time as the aircraft was on approach to Scholes International Airport in Galveston. Authorities reported heavy fog in the area at the time, with visibility reduced to approximately half a mile.
Details of the Flight and Casualties
The Mexican Navy confirmed that a total of eight people were on board the aircraft: four naval crew members and four civilians. The mission was part of 'Plan Marina' and was coordinated with the Michou and Mau Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides aid to Mexican children with severe burns.
The Secretariat of the Navy in Mexico (SEMAR) has released the names of those on board. The confirmed deceased include:
- Lieutenant A.N. P.A. Víctor Rafael Pérez Hernández (Naval Crew)
- Lieutenant S.S.N. Juan Iván Zaragoza Flores (Naval Crew)
- Marinero A.N. E. Av. Guadalupe Flores Barranco (Naval Crew)
- Federico Efraín Ramírez Cruz (Pediatric Patient, a 2-year-old child)
- Dr. Juan Alfonso Adame González (Doctor)
One naval crew member, Lieutenant A.N. P.A. Luis Enrique Castillo Terrones, is still missing and presumed deceased, as his body has not yet been located. The two survivors were identified as Julia Aracelis Cruz Vera (companion) and Miriam de Jesús Rosas Mancilla (nurse).
Investigation Underway Amidst Challenging Conditions
Emergency response teams, including the U.S. Coast Guard, Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the Galveston County Sheriff's Office, immediately launched search and rescue operations. The Sheriff's Office deployed a dive team, crime scene unit, drone unit, and patrol officers to the crash site, located west of the Galveston Causeway.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been notified and are assisting in the investigation to determine the cause of the crash. While weather conditions, specifically heavy fog, were present at the time of the accident, it is not yet clear if they were a contributing factor.
The Mexican Navy issued a statement expressing 'its deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this tragic accident' and affirmed its commitment to investigating the cause.
5 Comments
Raphael
The courage of the crew and medical staff on this flight is undeniable. Yet, the presence of heavy fog raises serious questions about flight protocols and whether sufficient precautions were taken given the challenging environment.
Michelangelo
It's heartbreaking to see a mission of such noble intent end in catastrophe. While their humanitarian spirit is commendable, the weather conditions clearly posed an extreme risk that needs to be addressed.
Raphael
Another innocent life lost due to what seems like reckless decision-making. Unacceptable.
Donatello
Praying for the survivors and the rescue teams. A difficult day for everyone.
Raphael
Someone needs to be held accountable for putting lives at risk like this. Devastating.