Search underway for US family missing after plane lost contact off Bahamas coast
CNN
Last updated: September 8, 2026
A four-person family from South Florida is missing after their plane lost contact while en route from the Bahamas to the Miami area. The US Coast Guard is leading a multi-agency search operation to locate them.
- The missing individuals were traveling on a single-engine Piper PA-28 aircraft.
- The flight departed from Andros Island in the Bahamas.
- The intended destination was Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport.
- Contact with the aircraft was lost approximately 20 miles east of Fort Pierce, Florida.
- The US Coast Guard launched an extensive search and rescue operation immediately after being notified.
- Assets involved in the search include helicopters and vessels from the Coast Guard.
- The family has appealed to the public for any information that might aid in the search.
- The exact cause of the communication loss and the plane's disappearance is currently unknown.
- Search efforts are focused on the area where contact was last made and the surrounding waters.
- Authorities are coordinating with Bahamian aviation officials.
- The search continues with significant resources deployed.
