Search continues for light plane missing over Bass Strait

A search resumed this morning for a light plane that is believed to have gone missing over Bass Strait.

The plane, which had two people and a dog on board, took off from George Town Airport in Tasmania on Saturday, but did not arrive at its destination at Hillston Airport, west of Condoblin in central western New South Wales.

It was also supposed to have a scheduled stopover in Leongatha in Victoria's Gippsland region.

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It is believed a man in his 70s and a woman in her 60s were on board the flight.

"Just after 5pm on Saturday evening, concern was raised after the aircraft failed to land in Central Western NSW, after departing George Town, Tasmania at around 12.45 pm," a statement from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) said.

An AMSA spokesperson said the pilot had made no contact with authorities.

The search took place yesterday until last light, before resuming this morning.

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Parts of both Tasmania and Victoria are being searched, with an AMSA aircraft and Tasmania police helicopter today focusing on an area in the Bass Strait and northern Tasmania.

"Anyone with information is urged to contact the AMSA Response Centre on 02 6279 5700," a Tasmania Police statement said.

"AMSA and Tasmania Police urges anyone in George Town or transiting the waters in northern Tasmania and Bass Strait to please keep a sharp lookout for any signs of a light aircraft or its occupants, and if safe to do so, render assistance."

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