‘Grave' fears for missing couple and dog after no contact from plane flying from Tasmania to NSW
Gregory Vaughan, 72, and his partner, Kim Worner, 66, were flying with their pet dog in the twin-seater plane that departed George Town airport on Saturday.
Family members raised the alarm about 5pm on Saturday when the Bristell S-LSA, painted in a distinctive green, failed to arrive at its destination.
The aircraft took off about 12.45pm and was headed to Hillston Airport in central western New South Wales, via Leongatha in Victoria's south east.
What happened to the plane remains unknown. No distress signal or contact was received, police said.
'The two people on the plane have not been in contact with anyone, or aviation authorities, since they left George Town,' Insp Nick Clark said.
Challenging weather had hampered search efforts that had continued on Tuesday.
A helicopter was patrolling the northern coastline between George Town and Turners Beach.
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Clark said due to rough conditions, boats were unable to begin searching on Tuesday.
Since Saturday, extensive search efforts have involved a Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) search airplane and Tasmania police helicopter resources and marine vessels. The search has focused along Tasmania's northern coastline and Bass Strait.
Tasmania police northern commander Marco Ghedini said: 'As we enter the fourth day of searching, police hold grave concerns for the missing couple, however we maintain hope as the operation continues.'
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'Further assessment in relation to the ongoing search will be made in the coming days,' he said.
The Tasmanian premier, Jeremy Rockliff, also expressed concern for Vaughan and Worner.
'I understand that there are grave fears for the missing couple and their dog,' he said.
'We hope and pray for the most positive outcome possible. Our thoughts are with them, their family, friends and loved ones.'
A spokesperson for AMSA said it had handed search coordination for the missing aircraft to police on Monday night.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) are deferring enquiries to the police while the search continues.
According to ATSB data, in 2024 there were 20 fatal aviation accidents that caused 27 deaths.
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