Latest news with #GlobalSummit2025
The South African
14 hours ago
- General
- The South African
Tributes stream in after Durban plane crash pilot NAMED
Tributes have poured in from across South Africa and from further abroad for Andrew Blackwood-Murray, the veteran pilot who remains missing following a tragic aircraft crash off the coast of Durban on Thursday afternoon. Blackwood-Murray, 61, was performing a display in his ZS-AEC Extra 300 aircraft as part of an airshow linked to the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) Global Summit 2025, hosted at Virginia Airport, when the plane crashed into the ocean just before 14:00. Emergency services and eyewitnesses quickly responded, with reports of the plane plunging into the sea near Suncoast Beach. The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), eThekwini lifeguards, Police Search and Rescue, and other agencies launched a joint operation, which remains ongoing. 'The NSRI rescue craft Spirit of Surfski 6 will be deployed to assist in the ongoing search and provide a platform for Police and Metro divers conducting scuba operations,' said NSRI duty coxswain Lorenzo Taverna-Tunisan. Battery Beach and surrounding areas have been closed to the public as wreckage continues to wash ashore and search teams expand their efforts. Blackwood-Murray, well-known within aviation circles, was regarded as a world-class pilot and true gentleman. He was celebrated not just for his elite flying skills, but also for his warmth and mentorship within the aviation community. On social media, tributes flooded in. 'Andrew, your spirit will forever soar in the skies you loved,' shared respected media personality and close friend, John Walland, who remembered him as 'a warm and passionate man whose skills touched so many lives.' Others reflected on his humility and approachability, regardless of how busy he was. 'Gonna miss you. A gentleman, an amazing pilot… He will certainly leave a gap in the airshow display calendar,' wrote Venessa Richardson. 'My heart bleeds, Andrew. You were such a gentleman. I'm glad I had the pleasure of sharing a classroom with you,' added Ryan Douwie. As the search continues, tributes to Andrew Blackwood-Murray serve as a reminder of the deep personal and professional impact he made throughout his life. His passion for flight, dedication to airshows, and mentorship of the next generation of pilots leaves behind a legacy that will not be forgotten. Authorities have asked the public to remain sensitive to the situation and to allow recovery teams the space and support needed as the operation progresses. Blackwood-Murray leaves behind a wife, Kyla, and son, Matthew. Post your condolences below, by … Leaving a comment below, or sending 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
- General
- The Citizen
WATCH: Aircraft crashes into sea in Durban, search for pilot under way
WATCH: Aircraft crashes into sea in Durban, search for pilot under way A rescue operation was launched this (Thursday) afternoon after a light aircraft crashed into the sea in Durban. All services are on scene at Durban's North Beach, including Transport MEC Siboniso Duma. According to reports by ALS Paramedics, at this stage no occupants from the aeroplane crash have been located. Speaking from the scene, Duma said the aircraft formed part of an airshow taking place at Virginia Airport on the sidelines of the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) Global Summit 2025. The SA Civil Aviation Authority confirmed in a statement that the accident occurred at approximately 1.45pm. According to the report, the aircraft was performing its final display when it crashed into the sea. 'The Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) has taken over and will be conducting an investigation,' Duma said. 'We will await more information from the AIID and other relevant authorities,' he concluded. Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer
IOL News
a day ago
- General
- IOL News
Light aircraft crashes into ocean at Durban North Beach, search for missing pilot ongoing
A light aircraft has crashed into the ocean long the Durban North Beach, Sun Coast Casino, KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday. The aircraft formed part of an airshow taking place at Virginia Airport on the sidelines of the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) Global Summit 2025. ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson said Paramedics are on the beach together with SAPS and Metro Police Search and Rescue as well as NSRI trying to locate the missing pilot. MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma has announced that he was also at the scene. Meanwhile, the SA Civil Aviation Authority has confirmed in a statement that the accident occurred just before 2pm. "It happened apparently when the ZS-AEC Extra 300 aircraft that was performing its final display crashed into the sea. We are comforted by the announcement that the Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) has taken over and will be conducting an investigation," said the aviation authority. *This is a developing story IOL News Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
