Small plane goes missing off Bahamas carrying 4 members of Florida family

An American family consisting of two grandparents and two grandchildren is currently missing following what appears to be a small plane crash off the coast of the Bahamas, according to U.S. Coast Guard and Bahamian authorities. The incident, which took place on Monday, occurred approximately 15 miles off the coast of Andros Island, the Coast Guard stated in a statement on Monday evening.

The Royal Bahamian Defense Force requested assistance from the Coast Guard after receiving a report of a downed airplane with four individuals on board.

The plane involved in the incident was a five-seat Piper PA-34 aircraft, bearing the tail number N212ML. This aircraft had departed from Great Harbour Cay at around 11:12 a.m. with the family onboard. Air Traffic Control lost contact with the plane roughly 13 miles west of Andros Island, and weather conditions have delayed the search efforts.

The passengers identified in the family statement are Mario Lamar Sr., aged 80; Lili Lamar, aged 79; Sofi Sosa, aged 28; and Christian Sosa, aged 22. Mario Lamar is an experienced pilot with over 40 years of flying experience. The aircraft was en route to Miami Executive Airport, previously known as Tamiami Airport, and its last confirmed communication was at approximately 11:04 a.m., near the western side of Andros Island.

The family has requested cooperation from Bahamian officials, the U.S. Coast Guard, and all relevant local authorities to deploy all available resources in the search for the aircraft and its four occupants. The Lamar and Sosa families expressed their gratitude to everyone involved in the search and those who have offered support. This story is ongoing and further updates will be provided.