Miami families endured a heartbreaking loss on Tuesday when the bodies of four relatives were recovered after their small plane disappeared off the Bahamas on Monday. The tragedy unfolded as the family, led by 80‑year‑old pilot Mario Lamar, attempted to return to Miami from Great Harbour Cay, where Lamar owned a second home.
Flight details and disappearance
The aircraft, a PA‑34 Piper five‑seater (tail number N212ML), departed Great Harbour Cay in the Berry Islands heading for Miami Executive Airport. According to Bahamas police, air traffic control lost contact with the plane when it was about 13 miles west of Andros Island, roughly 150 miles southeast of Miami.
Family member Silvia Larrieu said her uncle had more than four decades of piloting experience and kept his aircraft in pristine condition. The flight also carried his wife, 79‑year‑old Lili, and their grandchildren, 28‑year‑old Sofi Sosa and 22‑year‑old Christian Sosa. Sofi had texted the family chat that they were leaving, and a filed flight plan indicated the expected landing time.
Search effort led by relatives
When messages failed to deliver and the plane failed to arrive, the family grew concerned and contacted authorities. Relatives launched a private search from boats, eventually locating the wreckage and recovering the bodies. “This is awful,” Larrieu told the Associated Press in a brief phone interview.
The U.S. Coast Guard responded promptly. Lt. Nicolina Converso confirmed that a Coast Guard aircraft rejoined the search on Tuesday, after the Bahamas requested assistance around 2 p.m. on Monday.
Official response and investigation
Bahamas police have identified the aircraft and are conducting an investigation into the cause of the crash. No further details have been released pending the official inquiry.
The incident underscores the risks inherent in small‑plane travel over the Caribbean and the importance of coordinated search‑and‑rescue efforts between local authorities and U.S. agencies.
Impact on the community
The loss has deeply affected the Miami‑Dade community, where the family was well known. Friends and neighbors have expressed condolences and offered support to the grieving relatives.
Authorities continue to advise pilots to file detailed flight plans and maintain regular communication with air traffic control, especially when traversing remote island routes.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
