Police have called off the search for a light plane that disappeared over Bass Strait more than seven weeks ago with a Tasmanian couple and their dog on board.
72-year-old Gregory Vaughan and his partner Kim Worner, 66, took off from George Town airport on August 2 bound for central NSW. They never arrived.
Inspector Craig Fox from Tasmania Police said crews had scoured northern Tasmania, the Furneaux Islands, the coastline and Bass Strait.
“Considerable search efforts have been undertaken, utilising resources such as the Tasmania Police helicopter for aerial searching and police vessels out on the water, but unfortunately the light plane and its two occupants and their dog have not been located,” he said.
The alarm was raised by family members on the evening of August 2 when the plane failed to reach its destination.
Inspector Fox said inquiries showed the couple had not contacted anyone or aviation authorities after leaving George Town about 12:45pm that Saturday.
“Flight data regarding the aircraft and communications will be part of the ongoing investigation,” he said.
A thorough review of the search and rescue response identified no new areas to search, prompting the difficult decision to suspend operations.
Inspector Fox said police had kept the family informed throughout.
“There is no evidence to suggest the circumstances of the missing plane are suspicious,” he said.
“However, as with any missing persons case, police will continue to investigate any new information received in the hope of providing some closure for the family.”
Police are urging anyone who comes across debris from the bright green aircraft on land or water to call 131 444.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
