Bass Strait search underway for missing aircraft flying from Tasmania to New South Wales
In a statement, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) said it was "currently coordinating the search for a missing light aircraft with two people onboard, near Tasmania".
"Just after 5pm on Saturday evening, concern was raised after the aircraft failed to land in Central Western NSW, after departing George Town, Tasmania at around 12:45 pm," it said.
AMSA said it had tasked a Tasmania Police helicopter to conduct aerial search efforts around George Town, and adjacent parts of northern Tasmania.
AMSA's Melbourne Rescue Jet is also "conducting overwater search of Bass Strait, supported by surface vessels".
Search efforts are expected to continue through Sunday.
Spirit of Tasmania operator TT-Line said the daily ferry crossing was "diverted to the last known location of a missing plane" on Saturday, but later released from the task.
In a statement, Tasmania Police said it was "providing support" to the search effort.
"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 have been advised there will be ongoing aerial search activities in the area today.
George Town airport, about 55 kilometres from Launceston, caters to private aircraft and charters.
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