Authorities in the Bahamas launched a search operation Sunday after a single-engine aircraft vanished over waters between two islands.
The Piper PA-32, registered as C6-PAT, went missing on November 1 while en route from Exuma International Airport to Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau. The plane lost radar contact with Nassau Air Traffic Control at approximately 3:00 pm. Its last recorded position was roughly 30 miles southeast of Lynden Pindling International Airport.
The aircraft carried one occupant: Clayton Patterson, known as "Pat" Smith, a Bahamian pilot.
The Royal Bahamas Defence Force deployed a vessel to the area where the plane was last detected. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority began collecting information to support the ongoing search.
Acting Prime Minister Chester Cooper, whose parliamentary constituency includes Exuma and Ragged Island, was informed of the incident. In a statement posted to Facebook, Cooper said: "We are following reports of a missing aircraft that departed Exuma this afternoon bound for Nassau, with one person reportedly on board, believed to be a constituent - a Bahamian male pilot. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this time. We pray for his safe return and for the safety and success of all those involved in the search efforts."
Social media discussion centred on the weather conditions prevailing at the time of departure. Multiple commenters questioned the decision to fly in what they described as adverse weather, with one person writing: "Why would they risk flying in this weather..praying for there safe return." Another observer noted: "Why would they want to fly in this weather it was bad all day. Hope the authorities find him soon."
The search continued as authorities gathered additional information.
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