The Day the Music Fell Silent: Andros Mourns 10 Souls Lost Too Soon

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NORTH ANDROS, BAHAMAS – The island of Andros was preparing to welcome visitors for its annual All Andros Regatta weekend, a time when music, culture, and celebration take center stage.

However, before the festivities could begin, tragedy struck as 10 souls lost their lives Friday morning when a small plane, believed to be chartered, crashed in Morth Andros, just miles from the runway.

Among those believed to have been on board, were members of the popular Pond Band, who were traveling to the island to perform.

They were making the short journey to Andros, ready to entertain, ready to celebrate, and ready to help kick off one of the island’s biggest weekends of the year, but they never arrived.

Indira Laing – Resident

“I don’t think moving forward, our regatta or our independence celebration would be the same after this.”

Among those believed to have been on board were members of the popular Pond Band, scheduled to perform during this weekend’s regatta festivities.

We also learned that for one young female member of the band, this would have been her first performance on the island. Friends say she was excited, especially to return home and perform in the community that helped raise her. That dream, however, was cut short.

Former member of Parliament for North Andros and the Berry Islands, and resident Carlton Bowleg, says her excitement was clear.

Carlton Bowleg – Former MP, North Andros and the Berry Islands

“She is my neighbor from Martin Town, and she was more than excited to actually come home and perform. I could have only heard about the excitement that was in her voice.”

Now, less than 24 hours after that tragic plane crash, investigators are on the scene conducting their initial assessments, as you can still smell and see smoke coming from what is left of that flight that claimed ten souls.

The shock remained visible across the island at the airport as fellow pilots stood in silence, many too heartbroken to speak on camera, still trying to process the reality of what happened.

In a small community like Andros, the loss of ten lives has left few untouched.

Carlton Bowleg – Former MP, North Andros and the Berry Islands

“For us here in Andros, this is something that is going to take a long time for us to recover from.”

Sources close to the matter tell Our News that one person who was on board survived the initial impact, and was able to briefly speak with police before later succumbing to his injuries.

We are told that he described feeling the aircraft violently shake before the crash. Bowleg says that man will forever be remembered as a hero.

Carlton Bowleg – Former MP, North Andros and the Berry Islands

“He was the one that really came out, made the call and let people know what was going on. And, you know, unfortunately, he didn’t make it, but he is definitely my hero this morning.”

While investigators continue their work to determine exactly what caused this tragedy, the people of Andros are left to grapple with a loss that has shaken their island, and a nation.