Police say they hold “grave concerns” for a Tasmanian couple whose small plane vanished over the weekend, with bad weather forcing search crews to halt marine operations this morning.
Now in its fourth day, the search for the missing light aircraft has been hampered by rough seas, leaving Tasmania Police relying solely on helicopter patrols to comb the state’s northern coastline.
The bright green, two-seater, single-engine plane disappeared on Saturday afternoon during a flight from George Town Airport to central New South Wales.
On board were a pilot in his 70s, his wife in her 60s and their pet dog.
Tasmania Police Inspector Nick Clark said the conditions were making things tough on Tuesday morning. Police officially took over the search from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority yesterday.
“Inclement weather is limiting our search options, however we are continuing our efforts to locate the plane and its occupants and will be utilising the helicopter,” he said.
The chopper is sweeping the stretch of coastline between George Town and Turners Beach.
Inspector Clark confirmed the couple had not made any contact since taking off at 12:45pm on Saturday.
“The two people on the plane have not been in contact with anyone or aviation authorities, since they left George Town,” he said.
Concerned family members raised the alarm on Saturday evening when the aircraft failed to reach its planned destination in central NSW.
Tasmania Police Northern Commander Marco Ghedini said the course of the search in the days ahead remains undecided.
“As we enter the fourth day of searching, police hold grave concerns for the missing couple, however we maintain hope as the operation continues,” he said.
“Further assessment in relation to the ongoing search will be made in the coming days.”
Police are urging anyone who may have spotted the bright green aircraft or noticed unusual debris on land or in the water to contact them on 131 444.
