A pilot who took off from the Sebastian Municipal Airport Sunday morning at 9 a.m. has been identified as Chris Moore of Louisville, Kentucky. He was on a three-hour journey to Marsh Harbour before he and the plane vanished.
Moore was flying solo in a distinctive white, red, and blue two-seater aircraft. His wife, Stacye, reported him missing when he failed to contact her upon landing as planned.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an alert for the single-engine BRM Aero Bristell after it ceased transmitting its identification signal.
Despite the U.S. Coast Guard and Royal Bahamian Military suspending their search efforts, Stacye Moore remains determined. She has hired a private rescue helicopter and multiple search planes to continue the operation.
Stacye said she knew something was wrong when he didn’t text her about his landing. She has gathered accounts from fellow pilots who were also landing in Marsh Harbour around the same time, who confirmed Moore was five miles out on approach.
However, obtaining crucial cell tower data from the Bahamian government has been hampered by bureaucratic hurdles.
The 59-year-old retired engineer has been flying for nine years and was familiar with the route. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the disappearance.
Marsh Harbour is a popular destination for pilots because it combines the allure of a tropical paradise with practical aviation amenities.
The area is renowned for its world-class fishing and boating opportunities. Many pilots are also avid boaters, making boating convenient for accessing these activities.
Marsh Harbour has a well-developed airport infrastructure, making it a convenient stop for pilots traveling throughout the Caribbean. It offers fuel, customs, and immigration services, as well as various ground-handling options.
Many private islands and exclusive resorts are accessible only by air, and Marsh Harbour is a gateway to these destinations.
