NASSAU, BAHAMAS – What began as a search for a missing pilot has now become a recovery effort, as National Security Minister Myles LaRoda confirming outside Parliament Wednesday morning that there has been a discovery of human remains in the wreckage of a plane that went down south of New Providence on Sunday.
Myles LaRoda – Minister, National Security
“The commodore of the Defence Force will give a more detailed account. He sent me a brief that I will read in the House of Assembly. Our prayers are with the family and the loved ones.”
The aircraft was being piloted by Exuma resident Clayton Patterson Smith when air traffic control lost contact with the plane on Sunday.
The discovery follows days of search operations involving the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, the Smith family and members of the Exuma boating community.
On Tuesday, authorities also recovered aircraft parts believed to be connected to the missing plane.
However, the search has come under scrutiny with questions raised about the response and how the operation was handled.
LaRoda is defending the Defence Force saying he has been assured that every effort was made to locate the aircraft and its pilot.
Myles LaRoda – Minister, National Security
“There’s gonna be an emotional response. I can say in my communication with the commodore of the defence force that every effort was made to locate the wreckage. I have seen footage of at least one defence vessel in the area. I know that it was joint that they receive assistance from the US Coast Guard, and as I said earlier, the Defense Force mobilize its resources in the search and recovery effort.”
While authorities have not yet officially identified the human remains, the development has prompted an outpouring of concern for the pilot’s family and the Exuma community.
Exuma and Ragged Islands MP Chester Cooper told Parliament he has reached out to the family to express his condolences.
Cooper also remembered Smith as a well-known and active member of the Exuma community.
Chester Cooper – Member of Parliament, Exumas and Ragged Island
“A pilot, a boat captain, a member of the council of local government who serve three consecutive terms also served as deputy chairman of the council, deputy chief counselor, he was a young man who made significant contributions to Exuma and the maritime construction and tourism business…”
As the investigation and recovery effort continues, the community awaits official confirmation and answers about what led to the crash.
