Media Release

Search suspended for missing pilot: Torres Strait

The search for a 26-year-old pilot who was flying a light plane that crashed into the sea in the Torres Strait on Friday has been suspended after further wreckage from the aircraft was located yesterday.

After an examination of the wreckage, Australian Search and Rescue and the Queensland Police assessed the crash as non-survivable.

The search was suspended pending new information on the pilot’s location at last light yesterday.

The pilot was flying from Badu Island to Horn Island in the Torres Strait on Friday afternoon when he reported a severe thunderstorm. He issued a mayday call at about 1.40pm (AEST) indicating he was about to crash. He was the only person on board the plane.

Police divers located a large section of the plane in eight metres of water east of Horn Island yesterday. Other wreckage from the Cessna 206, including seats, landing gear, wings and aircraft documentation, has also been located.

An intensive search by about 70 people on board five helicopters, four fixed wing aircraft and four surface vessels failed to find the pilot yesterday. On Friday, five fixed wing aircraft, three helicopters and three surface vessels were involved in the search.

Further information:

Ben Mitchell 0418 164 901

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