Edited by Bev Mortimer: An extensive search operation coordinated by Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC ) is still ongoing for a pilot, who went missing when his slight plan plunged into the sea half a nautical mile offshore of Durban North during an air show today at 2 pm today, 14 August.
The solo pilot, aged 62, from Johannesburg, remains missing.
Two NSRI rescue craft from NSRI Durban and NSRI Umhlanga were in attendance on the water nearby when the accident occurred. Despite an immediate and swift response and the ongoing extensive sea and air search operation, including police divers, Metro Police divers, a Police helicopter and the NSRI rescue craft, there remains no signs of the missing man.
NSRI Durban duty coxswain, Lorenzo Taverna-Turisan, NSRI Durban duty coxswain, this afternoon said three NSRI rescue craft were on the scene offshore of Durban North Beach assisting in search efforts. Police Search and Rescue divers and Metro Police Search and Rescue divers are also conducting scuba dive search efforts for the missing man.
NSRI Durban shore crew and NSRI Durban rescue coordinators, a Police helicopter, Netcare 911 ambulance services, eThekwini Municipal lifeguards, the SA Police Services, ALS paramedics, eThekwini Fire and Rescue Services and aviation authorities are all on the scene assisting.
TNPA (Transnet National Ports Authority) Port of Durban Port Control, Telkom Maritime Radio Services, MRCC (Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre) and NSRI EOC (Emergency Operations Centre) are assisting in the coordination of the search and rescue operation, in cooperation with ARCC and Police divers.
An investigation will be opened by Police and by Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID).
The NSRI says all thoughts, care and compassion are with the family and friends of the missing man in this difficult time.
St Francis Chronicle 