Mexican Navy Plane Crashes into Texas Bay, Killing 5 Including Child
Humanitarian Flight Carrying Burn Victims from Mexico Plunges Near Galveston, Leaving One Missing Amid Heroic Rescues
A Mexican Navy plane crashed into Galveston Bay, Texas, on December 22, 2025, during a humanitarian medical evacuation mission, resulting in five confirmed deaths—including a young child—and one person still missing as of December 23. The aircraft, a King Air ANX-1209 carrying four Navy crew members and four civilians transporting severe burn victims from Mérida, Yucatán, to Shriners Children’s Hospital in Galveston, went down shortly after 3:17 p.m. local time near Scholes International Airport, about 50 miles southeast of Houston. Dramatic rescue efforts by bystanders and emergency responders saved two survivors, but the submerged wreckage has complicated recovery operations amid an ongoing joint investigation by the FAA, NTSB, and Mexican authorities.
Humanitarian Mission Details
The flight supported the Michou y Mau Foundation, a Mexican nonprofit specializing in burn victim care, by ferrying patients who required advanced treatment unavailable locally. Among the passengers was at least one underage burn victim, a 2-year-old whose death has drawn widespread grief from families and medical advocates. Mexico’s Navy emphasized the crew’s dedication to such mercy missions, which have become vital amid regional healthcare gaps, and pledged full cooperation with U.S. partners while offering condolences to the victims’ loved ones through the Houston consulate.
Sequence of the Crash
Witnesses reported the plane struggling on final approach before plunging into the bay, where it became nearly fully submerged in shallow waters off Galveston Island. Initial response involved local boaters and fishermen; standout hero Sky Decker dove into the wreckage multiple times, freeing a woman trapped in a small air pocket who survived with injuries. The U.S. Coast Guard quickly mobilized helicopters, divers, and vessels, while Galveston County Sheriff’s Office deployed dive teams, drones, and crime scene investigators to secure the site and recover remains.
Rescue and Survivor Accounts
Two individuals—a crew member and a civilian—were pulled from the water and hospitalized in stable condition, crediting quick bystander intervention for their survival. Decker described the chaotic scene: “The plane was upside down, water rushing in, but she was breathing in that pocket—I had to act fast” . Professional rescuers later extracted additional bodies, confirming five fatalities by evening, with search efforts continuing for the missing person amid challenging currents and visibility.
Investigation and Broader Implications
The NTSB and FAA have taken lead on the U.S. side, examining flight data, weather conditions (clear but with gusty winds), and potential mechanical issues, though no preliminary cause has been released. Mexican Navy officials dispatched a team to Texas for coordination, vowing transparency. The tragedy underscores risks in cross-border medical flights and has prompted calls for enhanced safety protocols from aviation experts and humanitarian groups. Public figures, including Texas Governor Greg Abbott, expressed sympathies, highlighting binational ties in crisis response.
