Bass Strait plane disappears, two Tasmanians aboard, urgent search underway
The plane - carrying the pilot and one passenger - left George Town airport at 12.45pm on Saturday, setting off for Victoria and then on to Central NSW.
When it did not reach its destination as scheduled, family members alerted authorities.
A multi-agency operation led by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is now underway, with planes, helicopters and boats searching for the missing pair.
An urgent search is underway in the Bass Strait after a light plane carrying two Tasmanians went missing. Picture: Supplied
A spokesperson for AMSA said the alarm was sounded early on Saturday evening.
'Just after 5pm on Saturday evening, concern was raised after the aircraft failed to land in Central Western NSW,' the spokesperson said.
'AMSA has tasked a Tasmania Police helicopter (POLAIR 72) to conduct aerial search efforts around Georgetown, and adjacent parts of northern Tasmania.
A rescue jet is also scouting the Bass Strait from the air.
'Search efforts are expected to continue throughout Sunday,' the spokesperson said.
Tasmanian and Victorian police are assisting with the search.
The Spirit of Tasmania was reportedly diverted to assist the search. Picture: NewsWire / Sarah Matray
'A search for a missing light plane with two people on board has resumed in Bass Strait this morning,' Tasmania Police said in a statement.
'The plane did not reach its destination as scheduled and authorities were notified by concerned family members that it was overdue.
'As a result, a search operation involving plane, helicopter and marine resources was activated last night.'
Tasmania Police advised that residents in the north of the state would see 'ongoing aerial search activities'.
The ABC reported that the Spirit of Tasmania was diverted to help with the search, but was later let go to continue its journey.
Brendan Kearns
Cadet Journalist
Brendan Kearns is a cadet journalist with News Corp Australia. He has written for The Australian, the Herald Sun, the Geelong Advertiser, CHOICE, Cosmos, and The Citizen. He won Democracy's Watchdogs' Student Award for Investigative Journalism 2024 and hosted the third season of award-winning podcast Uncurated. He studied as Master of Journalism at The University of Melbourne, before that he worked as a video producer and disability worker.
@brendandkearns
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