NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Air Traffic Investigation Authority says the plane, operating under the Bahamian registration C6-PAT, disappeared shortly after 3PM on Sunday.
Independent flight radar tracking shows the aircraft departing Exuma before making a slight turn and disappearing from radar just south of the capital.
Acting Prime Minister Chester Cooper, who also serves as the member of Parliament for Exuma, confirms that search teams were back out on Tuesday.
Family members and Exuma residents have identified the missing pilot as Captain Patterson Smith.
Local and international authorities spent Monday combing the search area, but their efforts have so far been unsuccessful.
In videos sent to our newsroom, Royal Bahamas Defence Force Marines can be seen deploying equipment into deep waters as the search continues.
Senior Lieutenant Patrick Lightfoot, who is leading the search, tells us they were about 13 nautical miles away when they received the alert.
He says teams have been searching the area while dealing with bad weather conditions.
Sr. L.t. Patrick Lightfoot – Commanding Officer, HMBS Madeira
“We had our HMBS Kamalame to assist with divers, as well as drone operators. We also had the air wing department that was circling the area trying their best to get a visual even though it was cloudy, [and] the water was choppy…”
“Divers went directly to the spot to search for the vessel, weather conditions have cleared up a bit today, so we’re hoping for much better results today.”
Following this interview, the RBDF made a grim discovery after pieces believed to be part of the aircraft were found in the water, along with official documentation.
Residents describe Captain Smith, or “Pat” as he’s affectionately called, as a pillar in their community and a sailing enthusiast.
In a statement, Regattas of The Bahamas announced that its conclave, scheduled for November 7th, has been postponed until further notice as a result of the ongoing situation.
Just a few weeks ago, in an interview conducted and shared on Facebook by Michael Pateman, Smith spoke about his passion for the sport.
Captain Patterson Smith – Missing Pilot
“I’m somewhat of a boat builder, a sailor and an enthusiast of the Bahamain sloop sailing. I’m from Stuart Manor Exuma, we call this small area Bucktown, so the name of the boat is Captain Gene.”
As for the investigation, in the coming days, investigators will no doubt work to piece together exactly what happened, as families and friends continue to cling to hope as they search for Smith.
Among those taking part is his son, who has been out on a speedboat searching the area over the past several days.
Other boaters are also being encouraged to join the effort and help search the waters around the aircraft’s last known coordinates.
