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The Advertiser
18-07-2025
- Climate
- The Advertiser
Body found near wreckage of Snowy Mountains plane crash
The body of a man believed to be a missing pilot has been found near the wreckage of a plane crash. Police said they discovered the body near the crash site in the Snowy Mountains in NSW at around 3pm. "While he is yet to be formally identified, police believe the body is that of the missing pilot," police said on Friday. Officers remain at the crash site near the small town of Khancoban. Poor weather hampered the search for the plane after it was reported missing on Tuesday but the inter-agency operation eventually found the wreckage about 4pm on Thursday. "You wouldn't recognise it as an aeroplane," NSW Police Superintendent Andrew Spliet said of the wreckage. "It's a significant impact, a fair bit of speed into the mountain range which has completely destroyed that aircraft. "It wouldn't be survivable," he told reporters earlier on Friday. The search and subsequent recovery operation has involved helicopters from both NSW and Victoria along with SES, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Snowy Hydro and alpine specialist staff. The aircraft was on a private flight from Wangaratta in Victoria to Moruya on the NSW South Coast on Tuesday, and was reported missing when it did not arrive. A Beechworth Debonair light plane was last recorded on GPS near Dargals Trail in the Kosciuszko National Park. The impact of Tuesday's poor weather and whether flight warnings were in place will form part of the investigation into the crash, Supt Spliet said. A report for the coroner is also being prepared. Australia's aviation safety watchdog also announced it had begun an investigation into the crash and would provide a preliminary report in about two months. Tracking data, weather information and maintenance records will all form part of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau's probe. "Should a critical safety issue be identified during the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties so safety action can be taken," the bureau said in a statement. The body of a man believed to be a missing pilot has been found near the wreckage of a plane crash. Police said they discovered the body near the crash site in the Snowy Mountains in NSW at around 3pm. "While he is yet to be formally identified, police believe the body is that of the missing pilot," police said on Friday. Officers remain at the crash site near the small town of Khancoban. Poor weather hampered the search for the plane after it was reported missing on Tuesday but the inter-agency operation eventually found the wreckage about 4pm on Thursday. "You wouldn't recognise it as an aeroplane," NSW Police Superintendent Andrew Spliet said of the wreckage. "It's a significant impact, a fair bit of speed into the mountain range which has completely destroyed that aircraft. "It wouldn't be survivable," he told reporters earlier on Friday. The search and subsequent recovery operation has involved helicopters from both NSW and Victoria along with SES, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Snowy Hydro and alpine specialist staff. The aircraft was on a private flight from Wangaratta in Victoria to Moruya on the NSW South Coast on Tuesday, and was reported missing when it did not arrive. A Beechworth Debonair light plane was last recorded on GPS near Dargals Trail in the Kosciuszko National Park. The impact of Tuesday's poor weather and whether flight warnings were in place will form part of the investigation into the crash, Supt Spliet said. A report for the coroner is also being prepared. Australia's aviation safety watchdog also announced it had begun an investigation into the crash and would provide a preliminary report in about two months. Tracking data, weather information and maintenance records will all form part of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau's probe. "Should a critical safety issue be identified during the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties so safety action can be taken," the bureau said in a statement. The body of a man believed to be a missing pilot has been found near the wreckage of a plane crash. Police said they discovered the body near the crash site in the Snowy Mountains in NSW at around 3pm. "While he is yet to be formally identified, police believe the body is that of the missing pilot," police said on Friday. Officers remain at the crash site near the small town of Khancoban. Poor weather hampered the search for the plane after it was reported missing on Tuesday but the inter-agency operation eventually found the wreckage about 4pm on Thursday. "You wouldn't recognise it as an aeroplane," NSW Police Superintendent Andrew Spliet said of the wreckage. "It's a significant impact, a fair bit of speed into the mountain range which has completely destroyed that aircraft. "It wouldn't be survivable," he told reporters earlier on Friday. The search and subsequent recovery operation has involved helicopters from both NSW and Victoria along with SES, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Snowy Hydro and alpine specialist staff. The aircraft was on a private flight from Wangaratta in Victoria to Moruya on the NSW South Coast on Tuesday, and was reported missing when it did not arrive. A Beechworth Debonair light plane was last recorded on GPS near Dargals Trail in the Kosciuszko National Park. The impact of Tuesday's poor weather and whether flight warnings were in place will form part of the investigation into the crash, Supt Spliet said. A report for the coroner is also being prepared. Australia's aviation safety watchdog also announced it had begun an investigation into the crash and would provide a preliminary report in about two months. Tracking data, weather information and maintenance records will all form part of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau's probe. "Should a critical safety issue be identified during the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties so safety action can be taken," the bureau said in a statement. The body of a man believed to be a missing pilot has been found near the wreckage of a plane crash. Police said they discovered the body near the crash site in the Snowy Mountains in NSW at around 3pm. "While he is yet to be formally identified, police believe the body is that of the missing pilot," police said on Friday. Officers remain at the crash site near the small town of Khancoban. Poor weather hampered the search for the plane after it was reported missing on Tuesday but the inter-agency operation eventually found the wreckage about 4pm on Thursday. "You wouldn't recognise it as an aeroplane," NSW Police Superintendent Andrew Spliet said of the wreckage. "It's a significant impact, a fair bit of speed into the mountain range which has completely destroyed that aircraft. "It wouldn't be survivable," he told reporters earlier on Friday. The search and subsequent recovery operation has involved helicopters from both NSW and Victoria along with SES, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Snowy Hydro and alpine specialist staff. The aircraft was on a private flight from Wangaratta in Victoria to Moruya on the NSW South Coast on Tuesday, and was reported missing when it did not arrive. A Beechworth Debonair light plane was last recorded on GPS near Dargals Trail in the Kosciuszko National Park. The impact of Tuesday's poor weather and whether flight warnings were in place will form part of the investigation into the crash, Supt Spliet said. A report for the coroner is also being prepared. Australia's aviation safety watchdog also announced it had begun an investigation into the crash and would provide a preliminary report in about two months. Tracking data, weather information and maintenance records will all form part of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau's probe. "Should a critical safety issue be identified during the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties so safety action can be taken," the bureau said in a statement.
Perth Now
18-07-2025
- Climate
- Perth Now
Plane wreckage found but crash not survivable: police
A recovery operation is underway for a pilot believed to have been killed in a plane crash after the discovery of wreckage. The aircraft was on a private flight from Wangaratta in Victoria to Moruya on the NSW South Coast on Tuesday, and was reported missing when it did not arrive. A Beechworth Debonair light plane was last recorded on GPS near Dargals Trail in the Kosciuszko National Park. Poor weather hampered the search for the plane but the inter-agency operation eventually found the wreckage about 4pm on Thursday, 10km east of Khancoban in the Snowy Mountains. "You wouldn't recognise it as an aeroplane," NSW Police Superintendent Andrew Spliet said of the wreckage on Friday. "It's a significant impact, a fair bit of speed into the mountain range which has completely destroyed that aircraft. "It wouldn't be survivable," he told reporters. Police have not yet been able to recover a body or formally identify the pilot due to the steep terrain, heavy snow and inclement weather in the area. The search and subsequent recovery operation has involved helicopters from both NSW and Victoria along with SES, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Snowy Hydro and alpine specialist staff. The impact of Tuesday's poor weather and whether flight warnings were in place will form part of the investigation into the crash, Supt Spliet said. Australia's aviation safety watchdog announced they had begun an investigation into the crash and would provide a preliminary report in about two months. Tracking data, weather information and maintenance records will all form part of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau's probe. "Should a critical safety issue be identified during the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties so safety action can be taken," the bureau said in a statement.
Straits Times
18-07-2025
- Straits Times
Curious humpback whale disrupts Sydney Harbour ferry services during morning rush hour
Find out what's new on ST website and app. A juvenile humpback whale caused ferry delays in central Sydney on July 16 after it swam into the city's busy harbour. An inquisitive humpback whale caused ferry delays in central Sydney on July 16 after it veered off its usual migratory route and swam into the city's busy harbour. The juvenile whale was first spotted by commuters around Fort Denison, near the Sydney Opera House, at about 8am local time (6am, Singapore time). It later swam past Circular Quay, the city's central ferry terminal, heading east through some of the harbour's busiest waterways, according to Australia's national public broadcaster ABC News on July 16. Ferry services were briefly suspended at about 9am on the advice of the New South Wales (NSW) National Parks and Wildlife Service, as the authorities created an exclusion zone around the animal to ensure its safety and that of nearby vessels. 'NSW Maritime and National Parks are literally escorting a school bus-size mammal out of the harbour,' said whale expert Vanessa Pirotta, who was on board a patrol vessel shadowing the animal. She added: 'We're giving it space and helping it exit safely.' The sub-adult whale was seen exploring multiple locations, including Garden Island, Watsons Bay, Balmoral Bay and Rose Bay, popular seaside spots to the east and north of Sydney's city centre. At one point, it was observed swimming close to a paddle boarder as onlookers watched from the beach. Dr Pirotta said the whale appeared healthy and relaxed, describing it as 'the most inquisitive whale' she had seen in the harbour. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. World Trump diagnosed with vein condition causing leg swelling: White House World Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency. What is it? Singapore 5 foreigners charged over scheme to deliberately get arrested in S'pore to sell sex drugs here Asia Appointment of Malaysia's new chief justice eases controversy over vacant top judge seats for now Singapore Driverless bus in Sentosa gets green light to run without safety officer in first for S'pore Singapore SPCA appoints Walter Leong as new executive director World US strikes destroyed only one of three Iranian nuclear sites, says new report Business Granddaughter of late Indonesian tycoon pays $25 million for Singapore bungalow 'Most whales will realise they're off course and head back out to sea, but this one seems to be enjoying the full harbour experience,' she said. Crews from NSW Maritime and National Parks used small vessels to form a protective escort alongside and behind the whale, ensuring other boats kept a safe distance. The animal eventually made its way towards the harbour entrance around midday. Transport officials said the incident caused only brief delays to some ferry services, which resumed normal operations by the afternoon. Each year, an estimated 40,000 humpback whales migrate along Australia's eastern coast between Antarctica and Queensland. While sightings near Sydney's coastline are common in winter, such extended detours into the inner harbour are rare.
The Advertiser
17-07-2025
- General
- The Advertiser
Plane wreckage of missing flight discovered
A plane that was reported missing over the Snowy Mountains on a flight from Victoria to the NSW South Coast has been located. The aircraft was being flown by 74-year-old David Stephens, a resident of Brogo in the Bega Valley. He went missing on Tuesday afternoon between Wangaratta and Moruya. Mr Stephens' wife, Lynda, spoke out earlier on Thursday about her husband's lifelong love of flying. "Unfortunately, David disappeared on his flight home on Tuesday, July 15, after having his aircraft inspected," she said in a statement to The Bay Post. Lynda said the mountain weather could turn very quickly, and it was assumed "he must have seen a way over the mountain to decide not to turn back to Wangaratta". "David has quite a bit of experience flying the plane, but we can't know what situation he was facing, and we'll only have answers once they locate the plane and, with that, David." A NSW Police spokesperson said at 4.35pm on Tuesday, July 15, emergency services were notified of a possible plane crash in the vicinity of Dargals Trail, Snowy Valleys. Air Services Australia notified the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) that a plane took off from Victoria, bound for Moruya Airport; however, it never arrived. A command post was established. A search commenced involving officers attached to the NSW Police Alpine Operations Unit, with assistance from NSW and Victoria Ambulance Service, National Parks and Wildlife Service, and the Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre airwing. But the plane could not be located. About 8.30am, Wednesday, July 16, the multi-agency search resumed, involving officers attached to NSW Police Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit, State Emergency Services, National Parks and Wildlife Service and Snowy Hydro. "The AMSA Challenger rescue jet and two helicopters, from Victoria and Sydney, conducted an overhead search," the NSW Police spokesperson said. "About 4pm, Thursday, July 17, a rescue helicopter located what was believed to be the crashed plane near the plane's last known GPS location." Mr Stephens earned his pilot's licence before he began driving in the 1960s, and was immensely proud of his 1966 Beechcraft Debonair, which he christened "Deb". "David is also a well-known and respected rally sport competitor and a dedicated committee member for various motorsport clubs on the Sapphire Coast region," Ms Stephens said. "If he wasn't competing, he'll be volunteering as an official in all capacities for the ACT and NSW rally series, and in turn, the Australian Rally Championships." President of the Frogs Hollow Flyers Tony Rettke said he drafted Mr Stephens as secretary to the club in recognition of his broad experience. "I pulled him onto the committee because he was a member and I could tell he had a lot to contribute with regard to being a wise person and a flyer for many years," he said. Mr Stephens worked for decades as a chartered tax accountant, and was only two months away from retirement, when his family said they hoped to spend more time with him. A plane that was reported missing over the Snowy Mountains on a flight from Victoria to the NSW South Coast has been located. The aircraft was being flown by 74-year-old David Stephens, a resident of Brogo in the Bega Valley. He went missing on Tuesday afternoon between Wangaratta and Moruya. Mr Stephens' wife, Lynda, spoke out earlier on Thursday about her husband's lifelong love of flying. "Unfortunately, David disappeared on his flight home on Tuesday, July 15, after having his aircraft inspected," she said in a statement to The Bay Post. Lynda said the mountain weather could turn very quickly, and it was assumed "he must have seen a way over the mountain to decide not to turn back to Wangaratta". "David has quite a bit of experience flying the plane, but we can't know what situation he was facing, and we'll only have answers once they locate the plane and, with that, David." A NSW Police spokesperson said at 4.35pm on Tuesday, July 15, emergency services were notified of a possible plane crash in the vicinity of Dargals Trail, Snowy Valleys. Air Services Australia notified the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) that a plane took off from Victoria, bound for Moruya Airport; however, it never arrived. A command post was established. A search commenced involving officers attached to the NSW Police Alpine Operations Unit, with assistance from NSW and Victoria Ambulance Service, National Parks and Wildlife Service, and the Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre airwing. But the plane could not be located. About 8.30am, Wednesday, July 16, the multi-agency search resumed, involving officers attached to NSW Police Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit, State Emergency Services, National Parks and Wildlife Service and Snowy Hydro. "The AMSA Challenger rescue jet and two helicopters, from Victoria and Sydney, conducted an overhead search," the NSW Police spokesperson said. "About 4pm, Thursday, July 17, a rescue helicopter located what was believed to be the crashed plane near the plane's last known GPS location." Mr Stephens earned his pilot's licence before he began driving in the 1960s, and was immensely proud of his 1966 Beechcraft Debonair, which he christened "Deb". "David is also a well-known and respected rally sport competitor and a dedicated committee member for various motorsport clubs on the Sapphire Coast region," Ms Stephens said. "If he wasn't competing, he'll be volunteering as an official in all capacities for the ACT and NSW rally series, and in turn, the Australian Rally Championships." President of the Frogs Hollow Flyers Tony Rettke said he drafted Mr Stephens as secretary to the club in recognition of his broad experience. "I pulled him onto the committee because he was a member and I could tell he had a lot to contribute with regard to being a wise person and a flyer for many years," he said. Mr Stephens worked for decades as a chartered tax accountant, and was only two months away from retirement, when his family said they hoped to spend more time with him. A plane that was reported missing over the Snowy Mountains on a flight from Victoria to the NSW South Coast has been located. The aircraft was being flown by 74-year-old David Stephens, a resident of Brogo in the Bega Valley. He went missing on Tuesday afternoon between Wangaratta and Moruya. Mr Stephens' wife, Lynda, spoke out earlier on Thursday about her husband's lifelong love of flying. "Unfortunately, David disappeared on his flight home on Tuesday, July 15, after having his aircraft inspected," she said in a statement to The Bay Post. Lynda said the mountain weather could turn very quickly, and it was assumed "he must have seen a way over the mountain to decide not to turn back to Wangaratta". "David has quite a bit of experience flying the plane, but we can't know what situation he was facing, and we'll only have answers once they locate the plane and, with that, David." A NSW Police spokesperson said at 4.35pm on Tuesday, July 15, emergency services were notified of a possible plane crash in the vicinity of Dargals Trail, Snowy Valleys. Air Services Australia notified the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) that a plane took off from Victoria, bound for Moruya Airport; however, it never arrived. A command post was established. A search commenced involving officers attached to the NSW Police Alpine Operations Unit, with assistance from NSW and Victoria Ambulance Service, National Parks and Wildlife Service, and the Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre airwing. But the plane could not be located. About 8.30am, Wednesday, July 16, the multi-agency search resumed, involving officers attached to NSW Police Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit, State Emergency Services, National Parks and Wildlife Service and Snowy Hydro. "The AMSA Challenger rescue jet and two helicopters, from Victoria and Sydney, conducted an overhead search," the NSW Police spokesperson said. "About 4pm, Thursday, July 17, a rescue helicopter located what was believed to be the crashed plane near the plane's last known GPS location." Mr Stephens earned his pilot's licence before he began driving in the 1960s, and was immensely proud of his 1966 Beechcraft Debonair, which he christened "Deb". "David is also a well-known and respected rally sport competitor and a dedicated committee member for various motorsport clubs on the Sapphire Coast region," Ms Stephens said. "If he wasn't competing, he'll be volunteering as an official in all capacities for the ACT and NSW rally series, and in turn, the Australian Rally Championships." President of the Frogs Hollow Flyers Tony Rettke said he drafted Mr Stephens as secretary to the club in recognition of his broad experience. "I pulled him onto the committee because he was a member and I could tell he had a lot to contribute with regard to being a wise person and a flyer for many years," he said. Mr Stephens worked for decades as a chartered tax accountant, and was only two months away from retirement, when his family said they hoped to spend more time with him. A plane that was reported missing over the Snowy Mountains on a flight from Victoria to the NSW South Coast has been located. The aircraft was being flown by 74-year-old David Stephens, a resident of Brogo in the Bega Valley. He went missing on Tuesday afternoon between Wangaratta and Moruya. Mr Stephens' wife, Lynda, spoke out earlier on Thursday about her husband's lifelong love of flying. "Unfortunately, David disappeared on his flight home on Tuesday, July 15, after having his aircraft inspected," she said in a statement to The Bay Post. Lynda said the mountain weather could turn very quickly, and it was assumed "he must have seen a way over the mountain to decide not to turn back to Wangaratta". "David has quite a bit of experience flying the plane, but we can't know what situation he was facing, and we'll only have answers once they locate the plane and, with that, David." A NSW Police spokesperson said at 4.35pm on Tuesday, July 15, emergency services were notified of a possible plane crash in the vicinity of Dargals Trail, Snowy Valleys. Air Services Australia notified the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) that a plane took off from Victoria, bound for Moruya Airport; however, it never arrived. A command post was established. A search commenced involving officers attached to the NSW Police Alpine Operations Unit, with assistance from NSW and Victoria Ambulance Service, National Parks and Wildlife Service, and the Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre airwing. But the plane could not be located. About 8.30am, Wednesday, July 16, the multi-agency search resumed, involving officers attached to NSW Police Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit, State Emergency Services, National Parks and Wildlife Service and Snowy Hydro. "The AMSA Challenger rescue jet and two helicopters, from Victoria and Sydney, conducted an overhead search," the NSW Police spokesperson said. "About 4pm, Thursday, July 17, a rescue helicopter located what was believed to be the crashed plane near the plane's last known GPS location." Mr Stephens earned his pilot's licence before he began driving in the 1960s, and was immensely proud of his 1966 Beechcraft Debonair, which he christened "Deb". "David is also a well-known and respected rally sport competitor and a dedicated committee member for various motorsport clubs on the Sapphire Coast region," Ms Stephens said. "If he wasn't competing, he'll be volunteering as an official in all capacities for the ACT and NSW rally series, and in turn, the Australian Rally Championships." President of the Frogs Hollow Flyers Tony Rettke said he drafted Mr Stephens as secretary to the club in recognition of his broad experience. "I pulled him onto the committee because he was a member and I could tell he had a lot to contribute with regard to being a wise person and a flyer for many years," he said. Mr Stephens worked for decades as a chartered tax accountant, and was only two months away from retirement, when his family said they hoped to spend more time with him.
Irish Examiner
14-07-2025
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Poultry sector on high alert for avian influenza
The €700m poultry industry, which supports over 5,000 jobs and involves some 800 farms in commercial production, is again on high alert for bird flu. Dead wild seabirds have been washed up on shorelines in Kerry, Clare and Galway during the past month, according to the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Some have tested positive for the contagious virus. Agriculture minister Martin Heydon said all poultry flock owners in these coastal areas, whether they have commercial farms or a few backyard hens, should implement stringent biosecurity measures to mitigate the risk of the disease spreading to their flocks. He called on members of the public who may encounter dead birds on beaches this summer not to touch or pick them up, keep pet dogs on leash and report any suspicions of avian influenza to their regional veterinary office without delay. Mr Heydon thanked members of the public who have taken the time to submit a report to the department through its Avian Check app about sightings of dead wild birds. 'This is citizen science in action to protect public and animal health,' he said. The poultry sector, which produces 170,000 tonnes of meat and 900 million eggs annually, is a critical part of the rural economy and contributes over €140m in wages. Exports in 2022 were valued at more than €350m, €200m of which was value-added products, and €150m primary poultry products. The World Organisation for Animal Health recently warned bird flu has evolved beyond an animal health crisis into a global emergency, threatening agriculture, food security, trade, and ecosystems. There have been no outbreaks of the virus in poultry in Ireland over the past three years to date, but the disease is currently circulating in wild birds. A total of 25 of these birds have tested positive for the virus in Ireland so far this year, according to the National Parks and Wildlife Service, which is intensely monitoring the situation and reporting any suspected cases to the Department of Agriculture for testing. The Health and Safety Authority has assured the public cases of bird flu in people are very rare. However, a bird flu outbreak among poultry and dairy cattle in the United States has led to 67 confirmed human cases, and one death. The genotype currently circulating in the US has not yet been detected in Europe, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. In October 2023, France became the first EU country to roll out a countrywide vaccination campaign against bird flu in ducks, due to their key role in disease transmission. It was said to have helped reduce the number of outbreaks from a projected 700 to just 10. Last year, the European Commission purchased 665,000 pre-pandemic vaccine doses targeting avian influenza and took an option for 40 million doses over the next four years, in preparation for any potential future spread to humans. Read More The frightening breakdown of animal health across Europe's farms
