Media Release

Search for missing aircraft: Torres Strait

Australian Search and Rescue is continuing to coordinate a search for a light plane that crashed into the sea on a flight from Badu Island to Horn Island in the Torres Strait yesterday.

The 26-year-old pilot issued a mayday call at about 1.40pm (AEST) yesterday advising that he was caught in a severe thunderstorm. He was the only person on board the plane.

Wreckage from his Cessna 206, including seats and landing gear, has been located to the east of Horn Island.

Five helicopters, four fixed wing aircraft and four surface vessels are searching today in the area where debris has been located. A search by five fixed wing aircraft, three helicopters and three surface vessels failed to find the pilot yesterday.

Police divers from Brisbane will arrive in the Torres Strait this afternoon to examine possible underwater wreckage from the missing plane.

The weather in the area is poor with monsoonal winds and heavy rain.

Further information:

Ben Mitchell 0418 164 901

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