The search for a small airplane that possibly crashed near the Bahamas has come to an end with no recovery, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. The Coast Guard Southeast District officials revealed that a Cessna 402, with one person on board, was last spotted departing from Fort Lauderdale International Airport in Florida on Saturday. The search operation, which covered a total area of 5,032 square miles and lasted over 20 hours, involved both the U.S. Coast Guard and the Royal Bahamas Defense Force. However, no sign of the aircraft was found.

This search effort followed closely on the heels of another successful rescue mission by the Coast Guard. Just days earlier, a 64-year-old man was saved after being stranded on an uninhabited island in the Bahamas for three days. The man had encountered trouble when his sailboat broke down near Cay Sal, a small island nestled between Florida, Cuba, and the Bahamas. It was the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Paul Clark who spotted the man firing flares from his disabled vessel and promptly initiated the rescue operation.

To establish communication with the marooned seafarer, a Coast Guard Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircrew dropped essential supplies, including food, water, and a radio. The man informed the crew that he had been stranded for three days after his vessel became disabled during his voyage. After providing him with necessary aid, the Coast Guard cutter successfully retrieved the man, who was described as a 64-year-old Bahamian national, and took him to the Royal Bahamas Defense Force. Fortunately, he was reported to be in good health.

The rescue occurred on Cay Sal, an uninhabited island located in a region between Florida, Cuba, and the Bahamas. The Coast Guard crew's swift and efficient response to the man's distress signals ensured his safety and well-being. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of having proper safety equipment on board vessels, as stated by Petty Officer 3rd Class Dev Craig, a Coast Guard Sector Key West watchstander.

While the search for the missing airplane remains ongoing, the Coast Guard's dedication to saving lives has been demonstrated through these recent operations. It is a testament to their commitment to ensuring the safety of those who find themselves in distress at sea.