Sydney Hobart - Report of light plane crash while photographing fleet
by Rob Kothe and the Sail-World Team on 29 Dec 2014
ABC reports a light aircraft has crashed into the water off Tasmania's south-east.
It is believed the Cessna was filming yachts in the Sydney to Hobart race near the Tasman Peninsula.
Tasmania Police said the crash was reported at 6:30pm (AEDT).
Lee Kauskoph from the Tasmanian Ambulance Service said two helicopters were searching an area near Storm Bay for the plane. 'At this point all we know is a light aircraft with possible two people on board has gone down in the Port Arthur Storm Bay area,' he said.
'We've got two helicopters in the area searching and they'll report back once they find anything.'
Mr Kasuskoph said paramedics were on standby near the search zone. 'They'll stand by at the sports oval at Port Arthur.'
Commodore of the Cruising Yacht Club, John Cameron, said several yachts had been close to where the crash happened.
'We know of several yachts that were in the vicinity that may have diverted to render assistance,' he said.
He said the case was now in the hands of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.
The CYCA issued the following statement
The race organiser is aware of the report of a light plane crashing. It is in the hands of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).
We know of several yachts that were in the vicinity that may have diverted to render assistance.
They include Mistraal, Enchantress, Kraken, Inner Circle, Helsal III, Love and War, Wax Lyrical
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