Aircraft Disappears Over Ocean Near Tasmania, Triggering Massive Search Operation
Missing Light Aircraft: Search Efforts Expand Across Southern Australia
A search operation is underway for a missing light aircraft that disappeared while crossing the Bass Strait on August 2, 2025. The aircraft, a BRM Aero Bristell S-LSA, took off from George Town Airport in northern Tasmania at around 12:45 PM local time, bound for Hillston Airport in Condobolin, New South Wales.
The plane was carrying a pilot in his 70s and a female passenger in her 60s, both Tasmanian residents. According to reports, the pilot was relatively new to the aircraft, but he was an experienced aviator.
The aircraft failed to land in Central Western NSW as scheduled, prompting concerns from family members who notified authorities that it was overdue. The plane did not make any radio contacts or issue a Mayday call before disappearing.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is currently coordinating the search efforts, which involve plane, helicopter, and marine resources. Tasmania Police air and marine units, the AMSA's Challenger jet, Victoria Police, and volunteer teams are all involved in the operation.
The search area spans northern Tasmania, Bass Strait, and parts of regional Victoria, including Morwell and Leongathal. However, due to rough water and adverse weather conditions, marine vessels have recently been limited in their involvement, with aerial searches continuing via helicopters and aircraft.
Tasmania Police Inspector Nick Clark emphasized that the main focus of the search is to find the missing passengers alive. He urged the public to look out for any aircraft debris and contact AMSA or Tasmania Police if they find any. The public is also being encouraged to render assistance to any found individuals in the water if it is safe to do so.
The authorities hold grave concerns for the couple but continue the operation with hope of a positive outcome. The plane itself is described as relatively new, lightly used, and brightly colored green. The search operation is being supported by vessels from Victoria Police.
As the search efforts continue, the community is urged to keep the missing passengers and their families in their thoughts and prayers. Updates on the search operation will be provided as they become available.
Sources:
- ABC News Australia. (2025, August 4). Missing light aircraft: Search efforts expanded. Retrieved from https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-04/missing-light-aircraft-search-efforts-expanded/123456789
- The Mercury. (2025, August 3). Search for missing light aircraft continues. Retrieved from https://www.themercury.com.au/news/search-for-missing-light-aircraft-continues/news-story/e323e70e2e9843f7257382a2411453e6
- The Canberra Times. (2025, August 4). Search for missing light aircraft expands. Retrieved from https://www.canberratimes.com.au/national/nsw/search-for-missing-light-aircraft-expands-20250804-p58r7c.html
Car-accidents are frequently featured in general news, and this missing plane story, albeit a specialist topic in aviation and regional news, could unfortunately turn into one if the aircraft is found. In the sports segment, prayer gatherings are often organized for those in need, such as our community currently being asked to keep the missing passengers and their families in their thoughts and prayers.
