Police are appealing to anyone who may have seen a helicopter in distress in the Anna Bay area on Friday to come forward.
A search operation was initiated in the Port Stephens area after the helicopter with five occupants on board went missing.
Police were advised of an aircraft fading off the radar about 6.30pm (Friday 6 September 2019), before a search operation was commenced in the vicinity of Anna Bay.
The search is being coordinated by officers from the NSW Police Marine Area Command with the assistance of Port Stephens-Hunter Police District.
The search operation is continuing.
Police are interested in talking to anyone who may have been in the Anna Bay/Fishermans Beach area between 5pm and 7 pm on Friday or may have filmed the helicopter or taken images of it.
Police are urging witnesses to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
