A family is currently missing after their small plane seemingly crashed whilst en route from the Bahamas to Florida. The tragic incident is reported to have occurred on Monday, September 7, when the aircraft lost contact shortly after taking off from Great Harbour Cay.
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The aircraft, identified as a Piper PA-34-200T Seneca, was carrying 80-year-old Mario Lamar, an experienced pilot, his wife Lili, 79, and their two grandchildren, Christian Sosa, 22, and Sofi Sosa, 28. According to reports, the family had been enjoying a weekend getaway at their second home in the Bahamas before the ill-fated flight to Miami Executive Airport.
At approximately 10:12 a.m. local time, the aircraft departed from Great Harbour Cay, but air traffic control lost contact with it around 11:04 a.m., roughly 13 miles west of Andros Island. The Royal Bahamas Police Force revealed in a statement that they received reports of a potential crash at around 2:20 p.m. the same day.
Search operations commenced as soon as the aircraft was reported missing, involving both Bahamian and U.S. authorities. The Royal Bahamas Defense Force sought assistance from the Coast Guard, and the Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association (BASRA) was put on alert. However, the search was temporarily hindered by adverse weather conditions, which prompted the Coast Guard to postpone their efforts until the weather improved.
Family members have made urgent pleas for assistance from local authorities and the Coast Guard, urging them to deploy every available resource to locate the missing plane and its occupants. They expressed deep gratitude for the ongoing search efforts and have continually asked for prayers from the public.
The children’s mother became concerned when she did not receive confirmation of her family’s safe landing in Florida. After noticing that her messages were not going through, she alerted the authorities, prompting an immediate search operation.
Emotions are running high within the family, as one of Mario Lamar’s nieces appealed for help, expressing hope that they might still be found alive. She stated, “We are begging you to please help us with your prayers and with the authorities. Anyone who has seen anything or who can go out by plane or boat to help us find them. We haven’t lost hope that we will find them on a raft.”
The incident has garnered significant media attention, with outlets such as ABC News and NBC Miami covering the family’s distress and the search operation. Authorities have confirmed that the search for the aircraft and its occupants remains a top priority, and they pledge to provide updates as new information arises.
As the search operation continues amid challenging weather conditions, the family and the local community hold on to hope for the safe return of their loved ones. The story has resonated deeply, highlighting not only the risks associated with small aircraft travel but also the emotional toll on families affected by such unexpected tragedies.