The head of a grief and mourning charity extended condolences and counselling services after an aircraft containing two Bermudians went missing near the US.

The Gina Spence Programme was speaking after police named Sergio Lottimore and Marilyn Lavonne Bean as the pair presumed dead after Heartbeat 104 lost contact off the coast of Nantucket Island, Massachusetts.

Gina Spence-Virgil, the charity’s founder and an advanced grief recovery specialist, reminded the community of the need to support those grieving.

She said: “As a community, we have a responsibility to care for those whose lives have been changed by this tragedy.

“Grieving people deserve to be heard, supported and treated with dignity. Our care must continue long after the headlines fade.”

The charity acknowledged the importance of the deceased to those who know them and the difficulty that comes with accepting their deaths.

A GSP spokeswoman said: “We cannot know the full weight of your pain, but we recognise that grief deserves compassion, patience and respect.

“You deserve time, privacy and compassionate care without pressure to explain your grief, respond publicly or appear strong.”

GSP asked the public to respect the families’ privacy and to avoid speculation and sharing unverified or distressing information.

The group instead asked people to be conscientious of others’ feeling, offer practical help, listen without judgment and let the grieving direct the support they need.

The spokeswoman said: “Grief affects people differently. Family members, friends and coworkers may each carry pain that others cannot see.

“No one should have to prove the depth of their connection to receive care.”