Bequia Plane Crash: Four Dead After Aircraft Plunges into Sea

Plane Crash in Bequia Claims Four Lives

Bequia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, January 5, 2024 – A small, single-engine aircraft crashed into the sea off the Caribbean island of Bequia on Thursday afternoon, killing all four people on board.

The plane, reportedly owned and piloted by resident Robert Sachs, went down shortly after takeoff from J.F. Mitchell Airport in Paget Farm, bound for St. Lucia. According to witnesses, the aircraft experienced “difficulties” and plummeted into the ocean about one nautical mile west of the island of Petit Nevis.

Local fishermen and divers rushed to the scene to assist, but tragically, all four individuals – Mr. Sachs and his three passengers – were confirmed deceased. The identities of the passengers have not yet been officially released, pending notification of next of kin.

The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, Coast Guard, and Civil Aviation Authority are currently investigating the cause of the crash. Initial reports suggest technical issues may have been a factor, though a full investigation is underway.

This is the first plane crash in Bequia in recent memory, leaving the island community in shock and mourning. Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves offered his condolences to the families of the victims and vowed a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the tragedy.

Updates:

• The identities of the passengers have been released. They were Christian Klepser, an American citizen, and his two daughters, Madita and Annik.
• Authorities have recovered the wreckage of the aircraft from the sea floor.
• The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.

Disclaimer: This news article is based on currently available information and may be updated as more details become known.