Recovery efforts for missing pilot Andrew Blackwood-Murray continue in Durban
Search for missing pilot continues.
Image: Doctor Ngcobo / Independent Newspapers
The search and recovery operation for missing South African Airways (SAA) and aerobatic pilot, Andrew Blackwood-Murray, 61, from Johannesburg, is ongoing along Durban’s North Coast with no new developments reported as of Sunday.
Police divers are leading the search, utilising advanced technology, and current weather and sea conditions have not hampered efforts.
The incident occurred on Thursday, when Blackwood-Murray's ZS-AEC Extra 300 aircraft, performing its final display, crashed into the sea off Durban.
Paramedics are on the beach together with SAPS and Metro Police Search and Rescue as well as NSRI trying to locate the missing pilot.
Image: Doctor Ngcobo/ Independent Newspapers
The crash happened near Suncoast Beach/Casino and Durban North Beach.
The pilot was participating in an airshow linked to the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals Global Summit 2025, an annual global meeting organised by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA).
The summit was hosted at both the Durban International Convention Centre and Virginia Airport.
Emergency services quickly responded to the scene after people reported seeing the plane crash into the ocean.
Parts of the aircraft wreckage have since been recovered.
Following the incident, the eThekwini Municipality temporarily closed Battery Beach to residents and visitors, emphasising public safety and urging beachgoers to avoid the area while operations are underway.
Family, friends, and colleagues of the missing man are being cared for, supported, and receive regular briefings during this difficult time.
A tremendous outpouring of support and compassion from the aviation community, the public, and all involved has been commended.
Tributes have been pouring in for Blackwood-Murray, with many describing him as a "world-class pilot and true gentleman".
The search continues for missing pilot, Andrew Blackwood-Murray.
Image: Facebook/Andrew Blackwood-Murray
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, visited the crash scene and was briefed by the Director of the SA Civil Aviation Authority, Ms. Poppy Khoza, who affirmed that AIID has taken over to conduct an extensive investigation into the accident's causes.
Authorities are appealing to the public and the maritime community to report any findings of debris that may be related to the light aircraft accident along the Durban shoreline or at sea.
Findings can be reported to the Police at 10111, to the NSRI EOC at 0870949774, or on marine VHF radio to Durban Radio (Telkom Maritime Radio Services) or Durban Port Control, to support the AIID and Police investigation.
IOL