A massive search operation is underway after a small plane mysteriously disappeared over Bass Strait, between Australia and Tasmania, on Saturday afternoon. The small, bright green plane was en route to Hillston Airport in Condobolin, New South Wales, via Leongatha in Victoria, when it disappeared from radar. On board were the pilot – a man in his 70s – and the passenger, a woman in her 60s, both Tasmanians. They were travelling to visit friends. According to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), the search is focused near Tasmania.
“At around 5pm on Saturday, the alert was raised after the aircraft failed to land at its planned destination in central-western NSW. The flight had departed George Town, Tasmania, at around 12.45pm,” an AMSA spokesman said.
The plane had not made any radio contact and had not issued a “mayday” signal before disappearing. Tasmania Police Inspector Nick Clark said the pilot was experienced, although the plane was relatively new to him.
“He had only bought the plane three or four months ago. We believe he had flown a few times before,” he said.
The search is being carried out by air and sea in Bass Strait and southern Victoria state, in collaboration with authorities in Tasmania and Victoria. Clark added that the mission remains a search and rescue operation, with the hope that the couple will be found alive. The daily ferry between Tasmania and the Australian mainland was diverted to the plane's last known location on Saturday, but no trace has been found. Authorities were notified by worried relatives after the plane failed to arrive at its planned destination.
