NASSAU, Bahamas (AP) — Four people died when their small plane crashed Sunday shortly after taking off from a tiny airport in the Bahamas en route to Florida, authorities said.

Police Superintendent Paul Rolle said two women and two men were killed in the early afternoon accident at Treasure Cay’s airport on Abaco island, a popular boating and sailing destination. He said authorities were withholding their identities until relatives could be notified.

A police statement issued Sunday evening said the victims were believed to be US citizens who live in South Florida. The plane was travelling to Fort Pierce, a city in St Lucie County, Florida.

Former Treasure Cay chief councillor Steve Pedican said the single-engine Piper aircraft went down near the runway in Treasure Cay, which he said was buffeted by gusty winds Sunday.

The victims were married couples who owned second homes on the island and visited the Bahamas frequently, Pedican said.

Airport officials said the six-seater’s tail number couldn’t immediately be disclosed.

Civil aviation officials were investigating. Rolle said detectives from the Royal Bahamas Police Force also would travel to Abaco from New Providence island to assist with the investigation.