A desperate search is underway for a Florida couple and their two grandchildren after their plane crashed into the ocean on Monday. The Royal Bahamas Police Force confirmed that a plane seating five crashed at 2:20 p.m. local time, located 13 miles west of Andros Island.
Authorities say the small plane, which left Great Harbor Cay that morning, suddenly plummeted into the water while heading back to Opa-locka, Florida. New York Post reports indicate the missing passengers include pilot Mario Lamar, 80, his spouse Lili Lamar, 79, along with their grandchildren Sofia and Christian Sosa.
The family told the Miami Herald that the couple and their grandkids had just spent Labor Day weekend at the couple’s vacation home in Great Harbor Cay. Silvia Larrieu, a niece of the pilot, described the location as a second home for the family who had spent their whole life visiting there.
FlightAware data indicates the plane vanished from radar as speed varied and altitude plunged from 10,000 feet to 3,700 feet within three minutes. Search teams were initially unable to find the wreckage because rough weather near the north end of Andros Island hindered operations during the flight.
Larrieu issued a video statement asking for public assistance in the effort. She said, “I ask anybody out there, if you can help with search and rescue efforts, we would greatly appreciate it.” We need to bring them home.
The family told ABC News that Mario Lamar was a well-trained pilot with “more than 40 years of flying experience.” Despite his long career, the plane was lost during the trip back from the Bahamas.
The two grandchildren were recent college graduates. The outlet noted that Sofia Sosa just finished school at Wake Forest University, while her brother Christian Sosa graduated from Loyola Marymount University.
The US Coast Guard is now assisting Bahamian authorities with the search using an HC-144 Ocean Sentry airplane. The agency released a statement on social media confirming their involvement in the ongoing operation.
Search teams are working through difficult weather conditions to locate the wreckage and the missing family members. The Royal Bahamas Police Force continues to coordinate the response with help from American agencies.
