The search and recovery operation for missing pilot Andrew Blackwood-Murray, a veteran SAA and aerobatic flyer, has intensified this week as Police Search and Rescue divers, aided by advanced sonar equipment and coordinated support teams, continue their efforts along the North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal.
Blackwood-Murray, 61, from Johannesburg, remains missing following a light aircraft accident off the coast near Durban last Thursday afternoon.
Authorities and volunteers are racing against time to recover key evidence and bring closure to the family.
Advanced Technology Deployed
On Tuesday and Wednesday, an NSRI rescue craft, an SA Navy vessel, and Police Search and Rescue divers used advanced seabed mapping technology, specifically a NORBIT MULTI BEAM SONAR system.
The equipment was provided by Johannesburg-based survey specialists SEA SHADOW, with operational assistance from Durban Marine.
“Their contribution to this search has been instrumental and is deeply appreciated,” said authorities.
Adding to the efforts, local Good Samaritan Peter Jacobs from GARMIN joined the operation using a sport and recreational system aboard his private vessel, running additional grid searches to aid in sonar mapping.
Multi-Agency Collaboration
The intense recovery effort is being led by Police Search and Rescue and supported by:
- SA Navy divers
- Durban Underwater Club (DUC)
- A diver from RESCUE SA
- Metro Police Search and Rescue
- eThekwini lifeguards and authorities
Metro Police remain on high alert along the coastline to secure and recover any wreckage that washes ashore.
All wreckage retrieved is stored at a Metro Police hangar at Virginia Airport, where it is being catalogued and examined by the Accident and Incident Investigation Division (AIID) and SAPS investigators.
Appeal to the Public
Authorities continue to urge the public and maritime community to report any sightings or recovery of debris potentially linked to the incident.
Report to:
- SAPS: 10111
- NSRI Emergency Operations Centre: 087 094 9774
- Marine VHF Radio: Durban Radio or Durban Port Control
This will aid the ongoing investigation and may help piece together the final moments before the aircraft’s disappearance.
Support and Privacy
Authorities confirmed that some personal items from the wreckage have been returned to the family, with arrangements in place to return others.
“The family is in the care of authorities, regularly briefed, and has asked for privacy during this difficult time,” officials said.
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