Two Bermudians who were on board an aircraft that went missing just off Nantucket Island, Massachusetts in the early hours of Saturday have been named by police as Marilyn Lavonne Bean, 66, and her 41-year-old son, Sergio Wayne Lottimore.

The incident is under investigation by the US National Transportation and Safety Board, in conjunction with Transport Safety Board, Canada, the Bermuda Police Service said.

Police said a family liaison officer was working with the relatives of Ms Bean and Mr Lottimore, and offered condolences to their loved ones.

They were identified shortly after the operator of the missing air ambulance, which was travelling from Bermuda to Boston, said it now must face the “heartbreaking reality” that all of those aboard are presumed to have died.

Latitude Air Ambulance, a Canadian air medical transport provider, issued a statement on the Heartbeat 104 medevac flight, which was carrying the two Bermudians and four Canadians when it crashed off Nantucket, Massachusetts.

“It is with profound sadness that we acknowledge the decision by the United States Coast Guard to conclude active search and rescue operations and transition to recovery efforts,” the company said.

“Given the information shared by authorities and the conclusion of the search and rescue phase, we must now face the heartbreaking reality that the four members of our Latitude team, our patient and the patient’s family escort, who were aboard Heartbeat 104, are presumed to have died.

“Our thoughts are first and foremost with their families, loved ones, friends, and colleagues.”

The search was suspended last night.

The US Coast Guard had since Saturday been looking for the air ambulance — a Gulfstream G100 jet, registration C‑GRJP — focusing on a debris field confirmed to be from the aircraft.

“Our four crew members were valued members of the Latitude family” the company said.

“They dedicated themselves to providing care to people at some of the most difficult moments in their lives and they were carrying out that mission when this tragedy occurred.

“We are grieving their loss deeply and will continue to support their families and our employees through the difficult days ahead.

“We extend that same care and compassion to the family and loved ones of our patient and family escort.

“We ask that the privacy of all of the families involved be respected as they grieve.”

Latitude added that it will continue to co-operate fully with the US National Transportation Safety Board, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada and all other relevant authorities as recovery efforts and the investigation proceed.

It also said it was grateful to all of those who worked “tirelessly” in the search for those aboard Heartbeat 104.

“This is an unimaginable loss for our Latitude family and for everyone who loved the six people aboard Heartbeat 104,” said Peter Byl, president of Latitude Air Ambulance.

“Our focus now is on supporting their families, supporting our people and assisting the authorities.

“We will honour our colleagues by remembering the care, professionalism and commitment they brought to their work every day.”