Police are leading a multi-agency operation at Lake Moeraki, South Westland, from Monday 21 September in their latest efforts to locate a Piper Cherokee Six plane that disappeared 47 years ago on 29 December 1978 with seven people on board.
Acting Inspector Mark Kirkwood is in charge of the operation. He says the search follows information provided to Police recently regarding a ‘sonar target’ identified during a private survey of Lake Moeraki. The potential object has been assessed as warranting further examination.
Despite extensive searches at the time neither the aircraft registration ZK-EBU, nor its occupants, were ever located. Police are in contact with family representatives and have kept them informed of the planned search activity.
Acting Inspector Kirkwood says the search remains an evidence-gathering exercise.
“At this stage, there is no confirmation that the potential object is the missing aircraft.
“Our objective is to safely assess the location, gather evidence and determine whether there is any connection to ZK-EBU.”
The operation will involve specialists from the Royal New Zealand Navy, Police National Dive Squad, Coastguard West Coast and Hato Hone St John. West Coast Police Search and Rescue is coordinating the operation.
Police have requested the public to keep clear of the area for the duration of the operation to ensure safe movement of personnel and equipment.
Should an object be located, specialist dive personnel will undertake verification work and collect evidential material to assist with identification.
The operation is being undertaken in consultation with Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio and partner agencies including the Department of Conservation (DOC), Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) and the Coroner’s Court.
Representatives of Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio have been invited to undertake a blessing prior to the commencement of search activities. Westroads Ltd are improving access to the lake to make it safe for personnel.
Police acknowledge the significant efforts of aviation researcher Gavin Grimmer, whose years of research and analysis have contributed to the information now being assessed.
Police are staying in touch with and supporting family members.
“If successful, we hope this search will bring some measure of closure to the families and friends of those on board, as well as the many people who have contributed to efforts to locate ZK-EBU over the past 48 years,” says Acting Inspector Kirkwood.
“Everyone involved wants to find these people and bring them home.”
