TAIPEI, Taiwan: – A 58-year-old Vincentian sea captain was among three people killed when a small plane crashed into a field and burst into flames on Thursday in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, the Associated Press (AP) has reported.
Police spokeswoman Melody Rames told the AP that the single-engine Cessna was en route to the nearby island of St. Thomas when it plunged into the field, killing all three people on board.
Family friend Ruth Caine told I Witness-News on Saturday that Vincentian Elim King, better known as “Captain King” of Bequia, burned to death in the crash.
“He was a wonderful father of five children and a lovely wife, Sandra King,” Caine said in an email to I Witness-News.
“His death has been such a tremendous shock to everyone, including myself. He was a great sailor and very jovial and all-round pleasant and kind-hearted person. He will be missed greatly,” she added.
Caine said that King’s body will be returned to St. Vincent for burial and asked for prayers on behalf of the family.
The AP said that all three bodies were recovered from the wreckage but their identities had not been immediately released.