Police are currently assisting the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) in the ongoing search for a plane with two people on board after a distress call was received yesterday afternoon (January 22).
The 70-year-old male pilot and 52-year-old female passenger both from Wakerley departed in a hired light aircraft from Caloundra at around 3.30pm and headed towards Moreton Island for a scenic flight with the intention of returning to Caloundra.
A distress call was received around 4.30pm instigating an extensive air and sea search of approximately a 500 square kilometre area around Moreton Island.
Assets involved in the initial search included vessels from water police, Volunteer Coast Guard, fishing trawlers, the AMSA Challenger jet and two rescue helicopters.
Debris believed to be from the plane was located around 8.30pm last night.
The search was halted around 1am this morning due to adverse weather conditions.
The search for the plane and occupants recommenced early this morning utilising twelve vessels including three water police vessels, four Volunteer Coast Guard vessels, two jet skis and a number of fishing trawlers. Air assets assisting with the search include the AMSA Challenger jet, and six helicopters.
The search along the coastline of Moreton Island continues with police searching on foot.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24hrs per day.
You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, by calling 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.
