KZN Transport Department working with authorities following discovery of body on Durban beach
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport and Human Settlements is working closely with relevant authorities after a body suspected to be that of missing pilot Andrew Blackwood-Murray was found washed up on Durban’s Bay of Plenty Beach on Friday night.
This comes after the KwaZulu-Natal police confirmed that an inquest docket has been opened following preliminary investigations suggesting the body could be Blackwood-Murray’s.
The pilot went missing after his Extra 300 aircraft crashed into the ocean during an airshow near Durban on 14 August.
KZN MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, said:
“This morning around 07h30 my office was contacted by the Station Manager of Imbokodo fm Sandile Ngema, informing us about the discovery of what is suspected to be the body of the South African Airways (SAA) and aerobatic pilot, Andrew Blackwood-Murray. The body washed up on Durban Beach.”
He added that his office has been mandated to liaise with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other relevant authorities.
“At this stage, we wish to indicate that I have mandated my office to liaise with the SAPS and other relevant authorities. We trust their capacity to manage this sensitive matter.”
MEC Duma also confirmed he would be working closely with other government officials.
“For my part, I will be liaising with the Mayor of eThekwini Cllr Cyril Xaba and the Minister of Transport Barbra Creecy.”
He expressed hope that the discovery will help bring closure to Blackwood-Murray’s family after months of uncertainty.
“Importantly, we sincerely hope that the discovery of the body of Mr Andrew Blackwood-Murray will assist his wife and the whole family to find closure after a prolonged uncertainty and grief. We pray to God to give them strength.”
MEC Duma praised the efforts of the rescue teams involved in the search.
“We commend the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), SAPS and all other role-players for their multi-agency search efforts. They did not give up despite challenges.”
Formal identification of the body is still underway.
hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za
IOL News