Tasmanian police have expressed grave concerns for a couple and their pet dog who have been missing for three days after their light aircraft disappeared while flying from the state's north to New South Wales.
Gregory Vaughan, 72, and his partner Kim Worner, 66, were travelling in a twin-seater Bristell S-LSA, painted in a distinctive green, which departed George Town airport at about 12:45pm on Saturday. The plane was headed to Hillston Airport in central western New South Wales, with a planned stop at Leongatha in Victoria's south-east.
Family members raised the alarm at around 5pm on Saturday when the aircraft failed to arrive at its destination. No distress signal or contact has been received, and the plane's fate remains unknown. “The two people on the plane have not been in contact with anyone, or aviation authorities, since they left George Town,” said Inspector Nick Clark.
Search efforts have been hampered by challenging weather conditions. On Tuesday, a helicopter patrolled the northern coastline between George Town and Turners Beach, but rough seas prevented boats from joining the search. Since Saturday, an Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) search aircraft, Tasmania police helicopter resources, and marine vessels have been involved, focusing on the northern coastline and Bass Strait.
Tasmania police northern commander Marco Ghedini stated: “As we enter the fourth day of searching, police hold grave concerns for the missing couple, however we maintain hope as the operation continues.” The Tasmanian premier, Jeremy Rockliff, also expressed concern, saying, “We hope and pray for the most positive outcome possible. Our thoughts are with them, their family, friends and loved ones.”
AMSA handed search coordination to police on Monday night, and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau is deferring inquiries while the search continues. According to ATSB data, there were 20 fatal aviation accidents causing 27 deaths in 2024.
