Search for plane missing after Bass Strait flight centres on Tasmania's coast amid poor weather
However, due to rough conditions, police said boats would not be searching the water this morning.
"As we enter the fourth day of searching, police hold grave concerns for the missing couple, however we maintain hope as the operation continues," Tasmania Police Northern Commander Marco Ghedini said.
"Further assessment in relation to the ongoing search will be made in the coming days."
The helicopter will today patrol an area between George Town and Turners Beach.
Police are yet to formally release the identities of the missing married couple — a man in his 70s and a woman in her 60s — but yesterday confirmed they were from northern Tasmania.
The model of the green-coloured aircraft is also yet to be confirmed.
Authorities said the pilot left a flight note with a family member prior to their departure from George Town Airport on Saturday afternoon.
The family member then alerted authorities when the plane failed to arrive in regional New South Wales.
The flight was expected at Hillston Airport, west of Condobolin, via Leongatha.
No distress signal or any other contact was received from the plane after its departure at 12:45pm on Saturday.
Inspector Nick Clark said authorities remained hopeful of a finding the couple and their pet dog, which was also on board, but time was the enemy.
"We're still hoping for a positive outcome, but we are obviously stretching into day four of the search, and obviously our concerns are growing the longer it takes to find these people and to find this airplane," he said.
"Inclement weather is limiting our search options, however we are continuing our efforts to locate the plane and its occupants and will be utilising the helicopter."
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ABC News
20 hours ago
- ABC News
Search for plane missing after Bass Strait flight centres on Tasmania's coast amid poor weather
A police helicopter will scour Tasmania's northern coastline as the search for a missing couple and their twin-seat light aircraft continues, three days after a planned flight across Bass Strait. However, due to rough conditions, police said boats would not be searching the water this morning. "As we enter the fourth day of searching, police hold grave concerns for the missing couple, however we maintain hope as the operation continues," Tasmania Police Northern Commander Marco Ghedini said. "Further assessment in relation to the ongoing search will be made in the coming days." The helicopter will today patrol an area between George Town and Turners Beach. Police are yet to formally release the identities of the missing married couple — a man in his 70s and a woman in her 60s — but yesterday confirmed they were from northern Tasmania. The model of the green-coloured aircraft is also yet to be confirmed. Authorities said the pilot left a flight note with a family member prior to their departure from George Town Airport on Saturday afternoon. The family member then alerted authorities when the plane failed to arrive in regional New South Wales. The flight was expected at Hillston Airport, west of Condobolin, via Leongatha. No distress signal or any other contact was received from the plane after its departure at 12:45pm on Saturday. Inspector Nick Clark said authorities remained hopeful of a finding the couple and their pet dog, which was also on board, but time was the enemy. "We're still hoping for a positive outcome, but we are obviously stretching into day four of the search, and obviously our concerns are growing the longer it takes to find these people and to find this airplane," he said. "Inclement weather is limiting our search options, however we are continuing our efforts to locate the plane and its occupants and will be utilising the helicopter."
News.com.au
26-07-2025
- News.com.au
‘Big system': Aussies in several states warned as wind, rain, flood risk looms
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ABC News
25-07-2025
- ABC News
Weekend rainbands soak Australia as weather bureau doubles down on wet spring
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