South African pilot missing after crash
South African authorities are searching for missing pilot Andrew Blackwood-Murray for a fourth day after his Extra 300 aircraft plunged into the sea during an aviation display on Thursday near Durban.
The wreckage of the plane has been located and retrieved, but the pilot remains unaccounted for.
Multi-agency teams, including ALS Paramedics, Police Search and Rescue divers, NSRI units, the South African Navy, the SACAA, ARCC, and the Accident and Incident Investigation Division, are continuing systematic search operations.
Authorities underscore the ongoing challenge of locating Blackwood-Murray, even as favourable weather and sea conditions have allowed the search to persist uninterrupted.
The eThekwini Municipality has closed Battery Beach and surrounding areas to the public in support of safety and ongoing operations.
Family, colleagues, and the wider aviation community remain in deep anguish over the incident.
Urgent appeals have been made to the public and maritime community to report any additional debris or leads to support recovery efforts. Reports can be made to the Police (10111), NSRI (087 094 9774), or via marine VHF to Durban Radio or Port Control.
