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 and her son, Sergio Wayne Lottimore.

The incident is under investigation by US and Canadian transportation authorities, the Bermuda Police Service said.

Police said a family liaison officer was working with the relatives of Ms Bean, 66, and Mr Lottimore, 41.

Andrew Murdoch, the Governor, said: “I and the entire Government House team send our deepest condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of all those lost at sea following the tragic aircraft incident off the coast of Nantucket.”

Calling it “a sudden and unexpected loss”, Mr Murdoch added: “That the aircraft was engaged in a medical mission, with its crew dedicated to helping others, makes this tragedy especially poignant.

“I know many worked tirelessly to locate and rescue the six on board the air ambulance. While unfortunately unsuccessful in that mission, my sincere thanks go out to all those who worked so diligently and professionally, in particular the US Coast Guard who did everything they could to help in close liaison with authorities in Bermuda.”

David Burt, the Premier, also offered condolences on behalf of the Government, saying: “While we held out hope for the best, the worst fears have been realised and so our first thoughts are with the families of those so tragically lost.”

The mother and son 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 on board were 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.”

Mr Burt said: “Let us open our hearts to the families in the hope that our expressions of love, support and compassion will bring some comfort as they attempt to deal with this terrible loss.”

Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, said: “My heart is with the families, friends, colleagues and loved ones of everyone involved in this tragic incident.

“This is an incredibly difficult time for all those affected and I know many people across Bermuda are holding them in their thoughts and prayers.

“We also recognise the dedicated crew who came to Bermuda to provide a service that has supported many families during some of life’s most difficult moments. For that, we are deeply grateful.”

She added: “On behalf of the Ministry of Health, I extend my sincere support to all those affected and keep them in my thoughts and prayers during this profoundly difficult time.”

Ben Smith, the Leader of the Opposition, said: “This unexpected event has left the island shattered and I pray their loved ones can somehow find peace in this tragedy.

“There are so many unanswered questions but as a community, I implore everyone to do what they can to comfort their family and loved ones during this extremely difficult time.”

After a wide-ranging investigation, the search was suspended at the end of the weekend.

The Progressive Labour Party gave sympathies to the six lost, adding: “A mother and son, taken far too soon. Their loss is felt in every corner of our island, and today our country mourns with their family.”

The party statement added: “We also remember the four crew members who gave their lives caring for one of our own and we hold their families in Canada in our hearts.

“We thank the United States Coast Guard and all who took part in the search for their tireless efforts. In moments like this, we must exemplify the Bermudian spirit of togetherness, family and compassion that carries us through our darkest days.”

Jamahl Simmons, the MP for Sandys South, said: “This is a loss that has devastated our entire community.

“That pain is compounded by the fact that Mrs Bean and Mr Lottimore touched so many lives through family and friendship. They were known and loved by so many and they will be dearly missed. To their family, please know that your community stands with you and holds you close.”

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 would continue to co-operate fully with the US and Canadian transportation authorities as well as all other relevant authorities as recovery efforts and the investigation proceeded.

It also said that 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, the 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.”

The loss was acknowledged by the Warwick Academy community, with the school “deeply saddened by the news that former student Sergio Wayne Lottimore, class of 2002, and his mother, Marilyn Lavonne Bean, are presumed to have died in the air ambulance tragedy off Nantucket”.

“A school prefect and an outstanding person, Sergio will be remembered with great fondness by those who knew him,” the school posted online.

“We send our heartfelt condolences to their family and friends.

“Our thoughts are with them and with the loved ones of everyone aboard the Latitude Air Ambulance flight during this heartbreaking time.”

Hamilton Reinsurance Bermuda also recognised the tragedy, saying: “We are profoundly saddened by the loss of Sergio Lottimore, SVP [senior vice-president], head of speciality reinsurance at Hamilton Re, who, along with his mother, was among those on board the medical transport aircraft that departed Bermuda for Boston on Friday.

“The entire Hamilton team is heartbroken by the loss of a respected leader, colleague and friend.

“Our thoughts are with Sergio’s family and loved ones and all those affected by this tragedy.”

John Huff, president of the Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers, said the business community “mourns the tragic loss of one of its own, Sergio Lottimore, an accomplished speciality lines industry leader, a chartered property and casualty underwriter and trusted colleague”.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and coworkers of Sergio and his mother, along with the families of the medical transport team.”