Latest news with #PoliceSearchandRescue
The South African
2 days ago
- General
- The South African
Another Durban beach closed after deadly plane crash
Durban's popular North Beach area has been closed to the public after the horrific plane crash left a veteran pilot missing and prompted a large-scale rescue operation. The crash happened just before 14:00 on Thursday, 14 August, when the ZS-AEC Extra 300 aircraft, performing its final display at an airshow, plunged into the sea in full view of onlookers. Emergency services rushed to the scene after beachgoers reported the plane going down. According to IOL , KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the 61-year-old pilot was demonstrating aerial skills when the aircraft went down. 'Police Search and Rescue teams, working together with private counterparts, have recovered some wreckage of the aircraft, and the search for the pilot is ongoing,' Netshiunda said. The operation, led by Police Search and Rescue divers, also involves the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC), Accident and Incident Investigation Division (AIID), and national aviation authorities. The AIID has launched a formal investigation, with Civil Aviation Authority spokesperson Sisa Majola confirming updates will follow as more information about the plane crash becomes available. In the meantime, the eThekwini Municipality has cordoned off the Durban North beach area, warning residents and visitors to stay away. 'The safety of the public remains our top priority, and we urge all beachgoers to avoid the area while operations are underway,' the City said. Several other Durban beaches are also currently closed for swimming, due to poor water quality. These include: REUNION WESTBROOK ANSTEY'S BEACH DOONSIDE BEACH WINKLESPRUIT 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 South African
2 days ago
- General
- The South African
NSRI issues latest update in search for body of missing pilot
A coordinated search and recovery operation is currently underway off Durban North Beach following Thursday's tragic light aircraft crash. The operation is being led by Police Search and Rescue divers, supported by multiple agencies including the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC), Accident and Incident Investigation Division (AIID), and national Aviation authorities. The NSRI Durban Station 5 rescue base is currently serving as the Joint Operations Command Centre (JOCC) for the mission. The NSRI rescue craft Spirit of Surfski 6 has also been deployed to provide a platform for police and Metro Police divers during scuba search efforts. From first light on Friday, Metro Police, eThekwini Municipal lifeguards, and the SA Police Services began recovering pieces of the aircraft wreckage that washed ashore overnight. Lifeguards have also launched offshore search operations beyond the surf zone to retrieve debris and assist with the wider search. 'This is an ongoing and highly coordinated operation,' the NSRI said. 'Search grid coordinates are being constantly updated using advanced technology, with sea drift modelling provided by the NSRI Emergency Operations Centre.' Authorities have urged the public and media to show sensitivity and compassion as the operation continues. The identity of the missing pilot has not yet been formally released, although he has been widely identified on social media. 'We embrace the family, friends and colleagues of the missing man during this extremely difficult time,' said NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon. This developing news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version. 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.
IOL News
2 days ago
- General
- IOL News
Rescue teams continue search for missing pilot after Durban plane crash
The search for a missing pilot is set to resume on Friday. Image: Doctor Ngcobo/Independent Newspapers Rescue teams are expected to continue their search for a pilot, aged 61, who went missing following a plane crash in Durban on Thursday. The accident occurred just before 2pm, when the ZS-AEC Extra 300 aircraft that was performing its final display crashed into the sea. Emergency services rushed to the Suncoast Beach after people reported seeing a plane crashing into the ocean. Emergency services and response teams at the scene Image: Doctor Ngcobo/Independent Newspapers Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda stated that the pilot, who was part of an airshow, was in the air demonstrating his skills when the aircraft crashed. "Police Search and Rescue teams, working together with their private counterparts, have recovered some wreckage of the aircraft, and the search for the pilot is ongoing," he said Meanwhile, the Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) confirmed that an investigation is under way. "The AIID will provide updates as soon as further information is available," said Civil Aviation Authority spokesperson, Sisa Majola. Rescue teams carry part of the plane recovered from the sea Image: Doctor Ngcobo/Independent Newspapers
The South African
2 days ago
- The South African
Durban aircraft crash: Police provide update on missing pilot
KwaZulu-Natal police have confirmed that the search for the missing pilot whose light aircraft crashed in Durban will resume on Friday morning. The light aircraft crashed into the sea at the Suncoast Beach in Durban on Thursday afternoon, 14 August. The pilot was the only one on board during the incident. South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson in KZN, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, stated that the 61-year-old pilot was part of an air show and was in the air demonstrating his skills when the aircraft crashed. 'The Police Search and Rescue team, working together with their private counterparts have recovered some wreckage of the aircraft and the search for the pilot is ongoing,' he said on Thursday afternoon. The search was later called off and is set to resume on Friday morning. 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.
