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.
