KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent – Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves expressed his condolences to the families of the victims of the recent Bequia plane crash. The crash, which occurred on the Grenadine island of Bequia, claimed the lives of all four people on board, including the pilot, Robert Sachs, and actor Christian Klepser and his two daughters, Madita Klepser, 10, and Annik Klepser, 12.
The US-registered private plane crashed shortly after takeoff from J.F. Mitchell Airport on Bequia. The aircraft, en route to St. Lucia, went down in the sea, one nautical mile west of Petit Nevis. Residents reported hearing the aircraft making a sputtering sound during takeoff, reminiscent of a struggling vehicle.
Following the crash, local fishermen and divers from Paget Farm rushed to the scene to render assistance. The SVG Coast Guard also joined the rescue efforts. The wreckage of the aircraft was later recovered, and the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA) has initiated an investigation into the incident.
Prime Minister Gonsalves spoke with the widow of the pilot and extended his condolences to the friends of Christian Klepser. The Prime Minister also expressed his intention to speak with the mother of the two young victims at a more appropriate time.
The crash has left the Bequia community and the entire nation of St. Vincent in mourning. The tragic event has prompted an outpouring of support for the affected families, and the investigation into the crash continues as authorities work to determine the cause of the accident.