Overview
- Police divers located a man's body about 9:20am on Oct. 28 in waters off Elizabeth Beach, believed to be the missing 59-year-old pilot, with a report to be prepared for the coroner.
- A multi-agency operation searched land, sea and air after the pilot vanished on Oct. 26 shortly after launching from Lindeman's Point in Booti Booti National Park.
- Marine Rescue NSW worked with Water Police on a parallel-line coastal search from Lindeman Cove to Blueys Head, supported by Marine Rescue Forster Tuncurry radio operators and vessel FO 30.
- Search crews said deteriorating offshore conditions, including forecast 20-knot winds and 1.5–2.5 metre swells, constrained their efforts and forced pauses in operations.
- Authorities described the missing man as a local and very experienced, and noted a second pilot crashed into the sea the same day, released his harness, reached shore and alerted emergency services.