Five Dead After Mexican Navy Plane Crashes Near Galveston, Texas

A tragic aircraft crash off the coast of Galveston has left five members of the Mexican Navy dead and one still unaccounted for, according to early reports from U.S. and Mexican authorities. The incident unfolded Monday evening about 20 miles off the Texas shoreline, drawing a multi-agency emergency response from the U.S. Coast Guard and local partners.

Officials say the Mexican Navy reconnaissance aircraft was conducting a routine mission over the Gulf of Mexico when it suddenly went down. Search crews located debris soon after, confirming the severity of the crash. Recovery operations began immediately, with U.S. teams assisting their Mexican counterparts as conditions allowed.

The aircraft's last known location was near waters southeast of Houston, an area frequently used for military and commercial aviation routes. The U.S. Coast Guard reported identifying and recovering the remains of five service members. One individual remains missing as search operations continue.

Why It Matters

The crash highlights the strong operational ties between U.S. and Mexican maritime authorities, especially in Gulf border regions. Houston-area waters are central to both countries’ commercial and security interests, making coordinated response efforts vital. The incident also underscores ongoing challenges posed by heavy aviation traffic and volatile weather conditions over the Gulf.

What’s Next

Mexican officials are expected to launch a full investigation into the cause of the crash, with U.S. agencies offering technical and logistical support. Updates on recovery efforts and the status of the missing crew member will be released as search operations continue.

This article is a summary of reporting by KVNU. Read the full story here.