A search effort is currently in progress for a hang glider who has gone missing in a well-known tourist area, leaving authorities puzzled. The individual, a 59-year-old experienced hang glider pilot from the local vicinity, disappeared yesterday afternoon after encountering a loss of altitude during a flight off the New South Wales Mid North Coast in Australia. The launch point was Lindeman’s Point, situated approximately 129km south of Port Macquarie near Forster.
The disappearance was reported by another glider who took off shortly after the missing pilot and subsequently crashed into the water but emerged unscathed. The incident occurred around 4pm yesterday, sparking the search operation.
The gliding location where the incident took place is close to the picturesque Booti Booti National Park, known for its stunning beaches and challenging hiking trails. Pictures taken at Elizabeth Beach now serve a different purpose in light of this event.
Marine Rescue Forster Tuncurry mobilized rescue vessel Forster 30 and a team of volunteers to comb the area from Seven Mile Beach to Elizabeth Beach until late yesterday evening, with search efforts resuming today. They are conducting a thorough search in collaboration with Water Police from Lindeman Cove to Blueys Head.
Despite facing obstacles due to strong winds, the Marine Rescue Forster Tuncurry team persisted in their search south of Forster for over six hours before having to suspend operations for the day around 3pm local time. They are ready to resume the search if requested by NSW Police Marine Area Command.
Inspector David Coyle from Manning Great Lakes Police District described the unfolding situation as unexpected, emphasizing the missing pilot’s expertise in gliding activities. Graeme Cran, a paraglider with Mid North Coast Flyers, highlighted the general risks associated with aviation sports and the importance of proper training for emergency situations, particularly when landing in water with a hang glider.
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