A family searching for four relatives whose small plane disappeared over Bahamas waters Monday made a devastating discovery Tuesday when one member found a deceased loved one floating in the ocean and had to pull the body onto their own boat during private search operations.

Experienced Pilot and Three Family Members Missing

Mario Lamar Sr., 80, piloted the five-seat PA-34 Piper aircraft carrying his wife Lili, 79, and their grandchildren Sofia Sosa, 28, and Christian Sosa, 22, when the plane vanished approximately 13 miles west of Andros Island. The aircraft, identified by tail number N212ML, departed Great Harbour Cay in the Berry Islands at 10:12 a.m. Monday, bound for Opa-locka, Florida. Air traffic controllers lost contact with the plane roughly one hour into the flight.

The family hired private search and rescue teams after the disappearance. Relative Silvi Larrieu described the group’s holiday weekend trip as routine for her uncle, who logged more than 40 years as a pilot. She emphasized that Mario Lamar meticulously maintained his aircraft in pristine condition and regularly performed maintenance at his Miami hangar. Weather conditions appeared favorable for the flight, according to family members familiar with the pilot’s protocols.

Private Search Efforts Turn Tragic

The family declined to release the identity of the recovered victim, citing privacy and respect during their grief. In a statement, relatives expressed the traumatic nature of the discovery, noting the profound emotional toll of having a civilian family member locate and recover their deceased loved one without professional support. Three passengers remain missing as search operations continue in waters near Andros Island. Bahamian police confirmed the aircraft details and last known position but provided limited information about official recovery efforts.

Family Maintains Hope Despite Devastating Loss

Despite the grim discovery, Larrieu told reporters the family remains cautiously optimistic about finding the three missing relatives. She described the family as devastated but committed to bringing everyone home. The Lamars’ decades of flying experience and the aircraft’s maintenance record have left relatives searching for answers about what caused the plane to lose contact with controllers during what should have been a routine return flight from the Bahamas to South Florida.