Concerns are rising for a couple and their dog, who have been missing for five days after taking off from Tasmania in a light aircraft. The pilot, Gregory Vaughan, 72, alongside his partner Kim Worner, 66, and their dog Molly, departed George Town Airport around 12:45 PM on Saturday. They were en route to Hillston Airport in New South Wales, passing through regional Victoria.
The couple failed to arrive at their destination on schedule, leading their family to alert the authorities later that evening. Inspector Nick Clark from Tasmania Police reported that there has been no communication from Vaughan and Worner with anyone, including aviation authorities, since their departure.
Search operations are underway to locate the bright green two-seater Bristell S-LSA aircraft over the Bass Strait, northern Tasmania, and southern Victoria areas like Morwell and Leongatha. Despite a police helicopter conducting aerial searches between George Town and Turners Beach, no trace of the couple or their plane has been found.
Authorities are expressing “grave concerns” for the well-being of Vaughan and Worner. As weather conditions have been challenging due to low clouds and rough seas, search efforts are slated to continue. Police plan to resume the search today and will reassess strategies depending on any new developments.
Significant resources have already been deployed in the search, with ongoing involvement from Pol Air over the next two days. Inspector Clark noted that the more prolonged their absence, the higher the worries regarding their welfare. Police are urging anyone who may have seen the distinctive plane or any unusual debris to come forward with information.