A tragic plane crash near Gulf Shores, Alabama, claimed the lives of at least two individuals on Saturday night.

The incident involved a private aircraft that was en route to the Gulf Shores airport. According to WKRG, the crash occurred around 6:50 p.m. local time (7:50 p.m. ET). In response, the U.S. Coast Guard initiated an extensive emergency operation, coordinating with various agencies to search the area by air, land, and water.

The Gulf Shores Police Department provided an update on the situation via Facebook, stating, “A large emergency response effort is underway in the area of Sailboat Bay and Plash Island following a plane crash in Bon Secour Bay.”

First responders, including Marine and Dive Units, arrived promptly at the crash site to manage the situation.

The downed aircraft has been identified as a Beechcraft Bonanza. The response team included personnel from Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Daphne Search and Rescue, American Medical Response (AMR), and the U.S. Coast Guard, along with several other partners.

Responding agencies reportedly included the cities of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Daphne Search and Rescue, American Medical Response (AMR), and the U.S. Coast Guard, along with other partner organizations.

Authorities have not yet confirmed how many people were on board the aircraft. The investigation remains ongoing.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the U.S. Coast Guard, Gulf Shores P.D., Gulf Shores Fire Chief Mark Sealy and Orange Beach Fire Chief Jeff Smith for comment.

The single-engine plane is believed to be a Beechcraft A36 Bonanza, AL.com reported.

The Beechcraft Bonanza A36 is a six-seat, high-performance, single-engine aircraft known for its speed, comfort and long production run (1970–2005).

It can currently be bought for between $199,000-$719,000, according to online listings.

There have been 186 air flight fatalities thus far in 2026, according to Aviation Safety Network data.

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