A light plane crashed into the ocean off the south coast of South Australia on Friday afternoon, sparking a large-scale search and rescue operation. The incident occurred in Long Bay, near Goolwa South, at approximately 4:30pm local time.
South Australian Police confirmed they received reports of the crash and immediately deployed resources to the scene. These included the police helicopter, Sea Rescue vessels and three Country Fire Service vehicles. Divers were dispatched from near the Goolwa Barrage on the River Murray to assist in the search, as seen in images released by ABC South East SA.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has launched an investigation into the incident, confirming the aircraft involved was a single-engine Cessna. ATSB investigators are expected to arrive on Saturday to examine the wreckage once This proves recovered from the water. The investigation will encompass interviews with witnesses and involved parties, collection of any available video footage and flight tracking data, and a review of pilot and aircraft maintenance records.
The ATSB is appealing to the public for assistance, requesting anyone with video footage of the crash to come forward and provide it to investigators.
A local resident, identified only as Tamara, described the scene as chaotic after hearing sirens and going to the Murray Mouth to investigate. “Just lots of chaos down here — it’s scary,” she said.
Emergency services are currently focused on searching for any occupants of the aircraft. The crash site is near the Murray Mouth, a popular area with an airstrip at Goolwa and several private runways on nearby Hindmarsh Island, according to 7News.
While the number of people on board remains unclear, authorities are continuing their efforts to locate the aircraft and any potential survivors. 9News reported that emergency services, including water police, are actively involved in the search.
The incident has prompted a significant response from emergency services, highlighting the challenges of conducting a search and rescue operation in rough seas. Rescuers are working to overcome these conditions to locate the wreckage and determine the fate of those on board.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses and more information becomes available.
