Tasmania Police is providing support to a search in Bass Strait after a light plane, which took off from George Town on Saturday afternoon with two people on board, failed to arrive at its destination in Central Western NSW.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority is co-ordinating the land and sea search for the aircraft, with Tasmania Police helicopter and vessel resources assisting in the response by searching the coastline near George Town and Tasmania's north.
AMSA's Melbourne rescue jet is conducting overwater searching of Bass Strait, supported by vessels, including Victoria Police.
The light aircraft left George Town airport about 12.45pm on Saturday with a pilot and one passenger - who are Tasmanian residents – headed for regional Victoria and then on to Central Western NSW.
The plane did not reach its destination as scheduled and authorities were notified by concerned family members that it was overdue. As a result, a search operation involving plane, helicopter and marine resources was activated.
Residents in Tasmania's north are advised there will be ongoing aerial search activities in the area today.
Further details will be provided when available.
At this time media inquiries are to be directed to AMSA Media at [email protected]
No footage is currently available from AMSA.
