Officials in the Bahamas announced Monday that a four‑person Piper PA‑34‑200T aircraft vanished from radar while flying from Great Harbour Cay toward Opa‑Locka, Florida. The Royal Bahamas Police Force received a report at 2:20 p.m. that the plane may have gone down in the waters off Red Bays, roughly 13 miles west of Andros Island.
Flight details and passengers
The flight departed Great Harbour Cay at 11:12 a.m. on September 7, carrying four occupants. A family statement released to ABC News identified the passengers as Mario Lamar Sr., 80, a veteran pilot with more than four decades of experience; his wife Lili Lamar, 79; and a younger couple, Sofi Sosa, 28, and Christian Sosa, 22.
Search efforts
The Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association was alerted, and the United States Coast Guard deployed an HC‑144 Ocean Sentry aircraft to assist the Royal Bahamas Defence Force. Because of adverse weather, the initial surface search was delayed until conditions improve, but aerial assets continue to sweep the area.
“The United States Coast Guard is assisting the Royal Bahamas Defence Force following a report of a downed aircraft with four souls onboard approximately 15 mi off Andros Island, Bahamas,” the Coast Guard said in a social‑media statement. “A U.S. Coast Guard HC‑144 Ocean Sentry airplane is supporting the search. The case is ongoing.”
Aircraft information
Federal Aviation Administration records show the aircraft, registered N212ML, is a fixed‑wing, multi‑engine Piper built in 1977. The plane is owned by Seneca Aviation, Inc., a company based in Wilmington, Delaware.
Community response
Local families and aviation enthusiasts have expressed concern on social media, urging swift action and offering prayers for the safety of those aboard. The incident underscores the importance of coordinated cross‑border emergency response between the Bahamas and the United States, especially given the high volume of private and charter flights that traverse the region’s waterways.
Authorities have asked anyone with information about the flight’s last known position or possible sightings to contact the Royal Bahamas Police Force or the U.S. Coast Guard’s local liaison office.
What’s next?
Search teams will continue to monitor weather conditions and deploy additional resources as needed. Updates will be provided as the investigation progresses and as any new information becomes available.
Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.
