Search for plane missing off Qld coast

A search is under way for a light aircraft with two people on board which is missing off the coast of southeast Queensland.

About 4.30pm on Wednesday the Australian Maritime Safety Authority was alerted to a potential mayday involving the plane, an AMSA spokeswoman said in a statement on Wednesday evening.

It's understood the aircraft was travelling from Caloundra to a resort on the western side of Moreton Island.

The search involves the Queensland Water Police, one jet and two rescue helicopters as well as five fishing trawlers that were operating in the area.

AMSA said the search is being conducted in rough seas, however progress is being made and takes in an area approximately 500 square kilometres around Moreton Island.

Some debris has been seen in the water southeast of Cape Moreton, but it's unknown if it was part of the aircraft.