A search is underway for an American family of four, including two grandparents and two grandchildren, who are missing after their small plane apparently crashed off the Bahamas coast on Monday, September 7, 2026. The U.S. Coast Guard and Bahamian officials are coordinating efforts to locate the aircraft and its occupants.

The incident began around 2 p.m. when the Royal Bahamian Defense Force requested Coast Guard assistance following a report of a downed airplane with four people aboard approximately 15 miles off Andros Island, Bahamas. The Coast Guard stated they were assisting Bahamian authorities with the ongoing search.

Authorities on Andros Island are leading the search for the aircraft, identified as a PA-34 Piper five-seater, bearing tail number N212ML. The plane departed Great Harbour Cay at approximately 11:12 a.m. with its four passengers and was en route to Miami Executive Airport. Air Traffic Control lost contact with the aircraft about 13 miles west of Andros Island.

The family statement identified the missing passengers as Mario Lamar Sr., 80; Lili Lamar, 79; Sofi Sosa, 28; and Christian Sosa, 22. Mario Lamar is reported to be an experienced pilot with over 40 years of flying experience, according to the family.

The last known contact with the aircraft was around 11:04 a.m. near the western side of Andros Island. The family has urged Bahamian officials, the U.S. Coast Guard, and all relevant local authorities to deploy all available resources to expedite the search.

According to the Bahamas Police statement, poor weather conditions have postponed the search for the family for an unspecified period. The family expressed their gratitude to all those involved in the search efforts and those who have offered support.

This incident occurred amidst other aviation news, including an NTSB investigation into an Amazon cargo plane crash that resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries. Details of the weather conditions that may have contributed to the Piper's disappearance have not been fully disclosed.

The Lamar and Sosa families are awaiting further information and have asked for continued cooperation from all agencies involved in the intensive search operation off the coast of Andros Island.