Mystery surrounds a report of a plane crash into the sea near Bihra , north of Port Alfred last night,24 February 2013.
An eye witness reported a plane crashed into the sea near the Bihra River Mouth between East London and Port Alfred . But despite a search, including from the highest nearby hilltop, no sign of the aircraft has yet come to light nor have there been any reports of any aircraft overdue or missing , nor any signs of any accident or crash landings.
The NSRI Port Alfred reports that “ it remains unclear what the credible witness had seen – described as a sound like an aircraft and seeing an object plunge towards earth before disappearing out of sight but appearing to crash land and appearing to have resembled an aircraft.”
The NSRI says the situation continues to be monitored and police and the NSRI Port Alfred and NSRI East London remain on alert.
NSRI Port Alfred volunteer duty crew were alerted at 8.10 pm yesterday following eye-witness reports of a plane crash, an NSRI statement said. NSRI Port Alfred crew responded in their sea rescue vehicle towing their sea rescue craft to the scene and the SA Police Services and Multi Security (Port Alfred private security) responded.
“The eye-witness appears to be convinced that an aero plane crashed into the sea, or in the vicinity of the shore front, in the area of the Bihra River Mouth,” the NSRI statement said. “While police dealt with obtaining information and an account of the sighting from the eye-witness, NSRI Port Alfred, police and Multi Security officers initiated a search which included ascending the highest hill top in the area to scour the search area.
“The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and local airports and major airports around the country were alerted to investigate any signs of any aircraft overdue or missing and the SA Air Force were alerted. There is the possibility that an Air Force helicopter may be dispatched on this morning (25th February) to further investigate but this is not confirmed as during the night there has continued to be no reports of any aircraft overdue or missing,” the NSRI said.
(edited)
All articles edited or written, all photos taken plus all adverts designed by the Editor and printed in the St Francis Chronicle are protected by the law of Copyright ©. Reproduction or copying of any part of the contents of this newspaper and its concept and design can only be done with the Editor’s written permission.
St Francis Chronicle 