Tourists pay tribute to 'experienced and safe' US-born pilot Robert Sachs who died when the light aircraft he was flying crashed into the Caribbean Sea, killing Hollywood star Christian Oliver and his two daughters

A British man has paid tribute to the pilot whose light aircraft crashed into the Caribbean Sea, killing him, a Hollywood actor and his two daughters.

Robert Sachs was flying movie star Christian Olivier and his two daughters Madita Klepser, 10, and Annik Klepser, 13, when the tragedy occurred.

The four-seat Bellanca light aircraft crashed into the sea off the private island of Becquia, part of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, on January 4.

Stephen Bath, from Christchurch, Dorset, flew with US-born Mr Sachs while on holiday to Becquia in November 2021.

Like most tourists, Mr Bath had rented the wooden plane for an hour-long flight over the neighboring islands, including Mustique, a popular holiday destination for film stars such as Daniel Craig.

Oliver pictured with his ex-wife, Jessica Muroz, and their two daughters in March 2015

Robert Sachs' Bellanca 17-30A Super Viking shown here in a Facebook post

Mr Bath described Mr Sachs as a “charming and experienced” pilot.

He said: 'I was really sad to hear what had happened.

'Bob was an extremely experienced and safe pilot. I can't imagine it was pilot error, he was too experienced. Something must have gone wrong with the plane at the wrong time.

“Bob was a kind and charming man and he was known as Bequia Bob.”

Bequia regular Megan Smith-Harris, a keen diver, also paid tribute to Sachs in a post on Facebook, calling him 'funny, smart, a super experienced diver, sometimes grumpy but always big-hearted.'

“Even though I haven't seen Bob in years, I can still hear his laugh, see him point out a monster lobster during a wreck dive and remember his masterful navigation skills getting us back in the boat and safely ashore during the beginning of the dive. a tropical depression,” she added.

Carlos James, St. Vincent's Minister of Tourism, expressed his condolences.

“I am saddened to hear of the tragic circumstances that took the life of our very own Bob Sachs, owner of Dive Bequia, who was a pioneer in the tourism industry. This must be a difficult time for his wife Kathy and his family. My sincere condolences to them at this time,” he said.

According to his LinkedIn page, Sachs operated a diving business and offered short flights in Bequia.

Mr Oliver and his two daughters had just left Bequia and were heading to St Lucia when the plane crashed.

Authorities said fishermen and divers in the area went to the crash site to assist as the St. Vincent and Grenadines Coast Guard moved to the area.

“The selfless and courageous acts of the fishermen and divers are greatly appreciated,” police said.

The 51-year-old German-born actor had dozens of film and television roles, including in the 2008 film “Speed ​​Racer” and “The Good German,” a 2006 Steven Soderbergh World War II film starring George Clooney and Cate Blanchett.

Among those paying tribute to Oliver was his co-star Bai Ling. The pair recently completed the film Forever Hold Your Peace together

Two days before his death, Oliver posted a photo of a beach in a tropical setting with the caption: “Let love rule. I wish you all the best for 2024'

Oliver, seen here with screen legend Al Pacino in 2020, had over 60 credits on his IMDb page

He appeared during season two of the 1990s series “Saved by the Bell: The New Class,” playing a Swiss transfer student named Brian Keller.

Oliver's wife Jessica Klepser and her family released an emotional statement Friday — a day after a horrific plane crash claimed the lives of Christian and their two daughters.

The message was posted on the Instagram page of Wundabar Pilates, where Jessica works as the company's regional manager California branch.

The company's owner, Amy Jordan, was the first to make the heartbreaking announcement, saying, “It is with an extremely heavy and broken heart that I share this news” to her more than 17 million followers.

The family – mother Jessica and Christian Oliver, 51, with their two daughters, Madita, 12, and Annik, 10

The single-engine plane was taking off from JF Mitchell Airport en route to the island of St. Lucia when pilot Robert Sachs called on his radio to say the plane was having problems. Moments later it nose dived into the Caribbean ocean. According to reports, the plane crashed between the airport and Petit Nevis, as shown on the map

Jessica, who was in Los Angeles at the time of the tragedy, wrote: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic plane crash on January 4, 2024 that took the lives of our beloved family members.”

'Our daughters, Madita (12) and Annik (10), were returning from a holiday in the Caribbean with their father Christian when the single-engine plane they were traveling on suffered engine failure and fell into the ocean.

“Unfortunately, all four passengers on the small plane did not survive.”

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

Jessica remembered each of her children in the social media post as the family requested privacy during this unimaginable and painful time.

“A vibrant seventh-grader at Louis Armstrong Middle School, Madita was known for her lively spirit and excelled in academics, dance, singing and performing.

“Annik, a fourth-grade student at Wonderland Ave Elementary School, was recognized for her gentle yet strong attitude. She was always the first with a kind word or a reassuring hug. Her passions included basketball, swimming and various forms of art.

“The deep bond, infectious laughter and adventurous spirit that Madita and Annik share will be deeply missed in their communities.

“Their devoted mother, Jessica, survives the girls. They also leave behind their grandparents, several aunts, uncles and cousins ​​in Germany.

'Christian, an actor in Europe and the US, and a real estate agent with a wide network of close friends around the world, is survived by Jessica, his parents and sister in Germany. His loss will be deeply felt by all who knew him.”

Instead of flowers: a GoFundMe was created to help Jessica and her extended family during this distressing time.

“Your donations will help cover the costs of Christian and the girls' return home, funeral and memorial services, and legal fees,” organizer Sarah Silverman wrote in part.

As of Monday, it was more than $162,248, while the page's original goal was $100,000.