Years ago when my dh was deployed, one of the harrier pilots launched off the deck during night ops. They were out in the Indian Ocean; a few other harriers launched to fly their sorties that evening. Within a few minutes of takeoff, the pilot and his a/c were gone.
Despite other planes overhead, other ships traveling in the ARG, search and rescue deployed, nothing was ever found. No debris, no oil rising to the surface and sadly no husband, son, squadron mate and friend to bring back to the U.S. to be laid to rest.
Still one of the saddest things I’ve ever gone through. It’s horrible to have nothing to show for where the a/c impacted. For about a month, his wife still hoped that he was alive out there somewhere, waiting to be rescued.
It’s possible nothing could be on the water’s surface. However, if we have a sub out there, and that’s my hope for these families waiting for word, we *will* hear the plane’s pings and locate it. Certainly, being given a miracle like finding this plane in a jungle somewhere with several survivors would be a blessing beyond measure.
The worst thing in the world is not knowing.
Like you said...your friend’s family waited hoping he would be rescued and distraught that he might be alive.
Everyone that had a family member on that plane is doing the same. Talk about hell on earth.