Search and rescue teams combing the Durban seas for missing pilot, Andrew Blackwood-Murray, have turned to hi-tech equipment as they continue their search close to one week after the 61-year-old disappeared after his plane crashed into the ocean. 

National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) spokesperson, Craig Lambinon, said on Tuesday and Wednesday, a multidisciplinary team has mapped and continues to map a debris field imagery of the sea bed in their search.

“They are using advanced search technology, a Norbit multi-beam sonar, which was volunteered by Johannesburg-based company, Sea Shadow. It is being facilitated by Durban Marine,” he explained.

Lambinon said on Tuesday, a local Good Samaritan, Peter Jacobs, from Garmin, used a Sport and Recreational system to search a grid using their private craft to gather additional debris field imagery.

He commended their efforts and contributions.

Meanwhile, Metro Police, eThekwini authorities, and lifeguards remain alert to recover any parts of the wreckage that could wash ashore.

“We are continuing to appeal to public and the maritime community to report any findings of debris and wreckage that may be related to the light aircraft accident, along the Durban shoreline and at sea, to Police at 10111, to NSRI Emergency Operations Centre at 087 0949 774 or on marine VHF radio to Durban Radio (Telkom Maritime Radio Services) or Durban Port Control, so that any findings can be recovered to support the South African Civil Aviation Authority’s Accident and Incident Investigations Division on 060 991 9915 and local police,” Lambinon said.

Blackwood-Murray was part of an airshow linked to the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals Global Summit 2025, hosted at Virginia Airport.

The accident occurred just before 2pm on Thursday, August 13, when the ZS-AEC Extra 300 aircraft that was performing its final display crashed into the sea.

seanne.rall@iol.co.za

IOL

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