Urgent search underway after plane disappears while crossing Bass Strait

A frantic search is underway for a light plane carrying two Tasmanians, which vanished while crossing the Bass Strait en route to regional Victoria.

The plane, with the pilot and one passenger on board, departed George Town Airport (GEE/YGTO) at 12:45 pm on Saturday, heading first to Victoria and then to Central NSW. When it did not reach its destination as scheduled, family members alerted authorities.

A multi-agency operation led by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is now underway, with planes, helicopters and boats searching for the missing pair.

A spokesperson for AMSA said the alarm was sounded early on Saturday evening.

“Just after 5pm on Saturday evening, concern was raised after the aircraft failed to land in Central Western NSW,” the spokesperson said.

“AMSA has tasked a Tasmania Police helicopter (POLAIR 72) to conduct aerial search efforts around Georgetown, and adjacent parts of northern Tasmania.

A rescue jet is also scouting the Bass Strait from the air.

“Search efforts are expected to continue throughout Sunday,” the spokesperson said.

Tasmania Police advised that residents in the north of the state would see “ongoing aerial search activities”. It is also reported that the Spirit of Tasmania, a passenger / vehicle ship, was diverted to help with the search but was later let go to continue its journey.