A search is underway for a male pilot and his female passenger after their light plane went missing over Bass Strait since Saturday.
In a statement, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) said it was “currently coordinating the search for a missing light aircraft with two people onboard, near Tasmania”.
“Just after 5pm on Saturday evening, concern was raised after the aircraft failed to land in Central Western NSW, after departing George Town, Tasmania at around 12:45 pm,” it said.
The aircraft was headed to Hillston airport, west of Condobolin, via Leongatha.
Police said the pilot is aged in his early 70s and his female passenger is aged in her 60s.
The pair, described as a couple, are both Tasmanian residents and were travelling to visit friends.
At a press conference on Sunday, Tasmania Police’s Nicholas Clark said the pilot was “experienced”, but flying in a “bright green” plane he purchased “three to four months ago”.
Inspector Clark said the search would be reevaluated on Sunday night.
Image showing AMSA search and rescue plane path over Bass Strait, Saturday, August 2, 2025.
AMSA said search efforts were underway “across northern Tasmania around George Town, over the Bass Strait and southern Victoria around Morwell and Leongatha, supported by vessels from Victoria Police”.
AMSA and Tasmania Police are urging anyone in George Town, or transiting the waters in northern Tasmania and Bass strait, or southern Victoria near Leongatha to “please keep a sharp lookout for any signs of the aircraft or its occupants, and if safe to do so, render assistance”.
Spirit of Tasmania II was asked to assist in the search effort. (ABC News)
Spirit of Tasmania operator TT-Line said the daily ferry crossing was “diverted to the last known location of a missing plane” on Saturday, but later released from the task.Â
In a statement, Tasmania Police said it was “providing support” to the search effort.
“The plane did not reach its destination as scheduled and authorities were notified by concerned family members that it was overdue. As a result, a search operation involving plane, helicopter and marine resources was activated.”
Tasmania Police launch a search boat at Low Head Pilot Station to assist in the search for a light aircraft. (ABC News: Mackenzie Heard)
George Town’s small airport, about 55 kilometres from Launceston, caters to private aircraft and charters. (ABC News: Kate Nickels)