Tributes flood social media for Durban plane-crash pilot
While search operations continue for Johannesburg pilot, Andrew Blackwood-Murray, whose plane plunged into the ocean on Thursday, tributes have been flooding his social media pages.
Andrew Blackwood-Murray was undertaking his final aerial display in the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals Global Summit 2025 at Virginia airport when beachgoers witnessed his plane crash into the sea near Battery Beach.
A team of search and recovery services, led by police divers, is searching for the 61-year-old's body.
ADVERTISEMENT
Search operations continue in search of Andrew Blackwood-Murray
The team has had to contend with poor weather conditions, which stalled search operations. While they have yet to recover the pilot's body, rescue services found plane wreckage.
According to a statement by the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) advanced search technology has been used during search operations. The NSRI, however does not believe the weather conditions hampered search operations as suggested by certain reports.
'We are appealing to the public and the maritime community to report any findings of debris related to the light aircraft accident,' said NSRI Spokesperson, Craig Lambinon.
Lambinon commended the aviation community and the public at large for their compassion and support during this time.
Facebook was abuzz with messages of condolences to the family.
One post shared by a friend Venessa Richardson read: 'Gonna miss you. A gentleman, an amazing pilot. Andrew was always willing to chat, no matter how busy he was. He will certainly leave a gap in the airshow display calendar.'
ADVERTISEMENT
Another friend, Ryan Douwie said: 'My heart bleeds Andrew. You were such a gentleman. I'm glad I had the pleasure of sharing a classroom with you as part of the Airways April intake.'
Another poster Laura Moodley expressed sadness over his tragic death and conveyed her condolences to the Blackwood-Murray family.
Fazila Naidoo remarked: 'Dear lord please let them find him, so his family and friend can have closure.'
What are your thoughts on missing pilot, Andrew Blackwood-Murray's tragic death?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
3 hours ago
- The South African
John Steenhuisen helps save chocolate Labrador from euthanasia
A chocolate Labrador named Achi, who faced being euthanised following a dramatic sea rescue earlier this month, has been saved following a last-minute intervention by multiple stakeholders, including the NSRI, the Department of Agriculture, and local government officials. Achi was rescued alongside his owners – a Swiss father and his German daughter – on 2 August after their sailing yacht floundered in rough seas off the Eastern Cape coastline. The NSRI East London led the high-risk rescue operation, recovering the trio from a life raft. There remains no signs of their sailing yacht and the life-raft that appears to have been lost to the sea. Despite surviving the perilous ordeal, Achi's fate was uncertain due to quarantine regulations and concerns over disease control. His potential euthanasia sparked public concern and media attention. However, a coordinated 11th-hour intervention, spearheaded by Minister John Steenhuisen, his team at the Department of Agriculture, and Ward 18 Councillor Jason Mc Dowell, ultimately ensured that Achi's life was spared. 'We have 100% confirmation that dog Achi will remain alive and healthy,' said Craig Lambinon, spokesperson for the NSRI, commending all those involved. Achi tested negative for any health risks, and although formal procedures are still being finalised, his future is now secure. The local community, media, and in particular Dr Pete Wood of Nahoon Veterinary Clinic, who has cared for Achi since the rescue, have been praised for their compassion and dedication. The NSRI has expressed its deep gratitude to all who contributed to the outcome, promising to keep the public updated on any further developments. 'This was a powerful example of human compassion, swift government action, and community support all coming together to save a life,' said Lambinon. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
21 hours ago
- The South African
Eskom schedules 10-hour power outage in this part of Gauteng
Due to planned maintenance, Eskom has scheduled a 10-hour power outage in Gauteng. The maintenance is scheduled for Thursday, 21 August, from 8:00 to 18:00. Eskom said there will be an electricity supply disruption in Ga-Rankuwa in Tshwane due to maintenance that will be conducted on the distribution network. The power utility said the planned power cut will affect customers in Ga-Rankuwa Zones 20 and 21 on Thursday, 21 August, from 8:00 to 18:00. 'Eskom in Gauteng conducts planned maintenance on the distribution electricity network across the province as part of its maintenance plan. It is essential for maintenance to be conducted to service the infrastructure to ensure the safety, reliability, and efficiency of the electricity supply,' Eskom added. In the interest of safety, Eskom said customers should treat all electrical appliances as live at all times during the power outage. 'Eskom would like to thank you for your cooperation and apologises for any inconvenience that this maintenance may cause,' the power utility said. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
a day ago
- The Citizen
Missing pilot: Search off Durban coast ongoing since Thursday
The search for missing pilot Andrew Blackwood-Murray has entered its seventh day, with police divers and multiple rescue teams continuing recovery operations off the Durban coastline. According to The Witness, National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) spokesperson Craig Lambinon said advanced sonar technology is being used to map the seabed debris field in the search area. A Johannesburg-based survey company, Sea Shadow, volunteered a Norbit Multi Beam Sonar, while local Good Samaritan Peter Jacobs assisted using a Garmin Sport and Recreational System aboard his private craft. Recovery mission expands The South African Navy, Durban Underwater Club and Rescue SA divers have joined police in the recovery mission, which is being led by SAPS Search-and-Rescue. eThekwini Metro Police, municipal authorities and lifeguards remain on alert to collect any wreckage that may wash ashore. Lambinon appealed to the public and maritime community to report any debris linked to the light aircraft accident to the police, the NSRI Emergency Operations Centre, Durban Radio or Port Control. 'All wreckage recovered is taken into the care of Metro Police at Virginia Airport for the Accident and Incident Investigation Division and police investigation.' Family supported Personal belongings found have been returned to the family, who are being supported by authorities, friends and colleagues. The family has asked for privacy, while the outpouring of support from SAA, the aviation community and the public has been described as 'warmly welcomed'. Blackwood-Murray was piloting a light aircraft during an air show linked to the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals Global Summit 2025, hosted at Durban ICC, when it crashed into the ocean last Thursday. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on
