08/09/2026
🚨 URGENT AVIATION SEARCH APPEAL 🚨
The aviation community is being asked to assist in the search for the occupants of a small aircraft that went missing off the coast of Andros, The Bahamas, on Monday.
The aircraft, carrying four family members, departed Great Harbour Cay at approximately 10:12 a.m. bound for Opa-locka and subsequently lost contact approximately 13 miles west of Andros Island.
Pilots, flight crews and operators flying in or near the area are asked to remain especially vigilant. If you observe anything unusual from the air, including aircraft debris, a life raft, flotation devices, persons in the water, or any other potential indication of the missing aircraft, please note your exact position, time and observations and report them immediately to the appropriate Search and Rescue authorities.
⚠️ Do not place yourself or your aircraft at risk. Even a brief sighting or observation could provide valuable information to those conducting the search.
Please share this appeal throughout the aviation community, particularly with pilots and operators who may be flying in the Andros / Great Harbour Cay / surrounding waters.
Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. 🙏
Every set of eyes in the sky may make a difference.
One body has been recovered after a small plane carrying four relatives disappeared Monday off the coast of the Bahamas, family members confirmed Tuesday. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time🙏|
*🗞️ According to the family, the body was discovered by another relative who was searching the waters for their loved ones.
The missing aircraft was piloted by 80-year-old Mario Lamar Sr. His wife, 79-year-old Lili Lamar, and their grandchildren, Sofia Sosa, 28, and Christian Sosa, 22, were also on board.
The family had traveled to the Bahamas for the holiday weekend and departed Great Harbour Cay around 10:12 a.m. Monday, heading back to Opa-locka. About an hour later, the plane lost contact approximately 13 miles west of Andros Island.
The family has since hired a private search-and-rescue team and is asking boaters, fishermen and pilots who may have been in the area to help provide information or safely assist in the search.
Bahamian officials requested assistance from the U.S. Coast Guard, but search efforts were reportedly suspended due to bad weather.
“We are heartbroken and desperate,” the family said, adding that they remain committed to finding and bringing home their remaining loved ones.
Despite the devastating discovery, the family says they are still holding on to hope. “We believe in miracles,” relative Silvi Larrieu said.
