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NSRI search and rescue boat
Private companies and recreational divers are assisting search and rescue teams who are looking for the pilot of a light aircraft that crashed into the sea off the Durban beachfront last week, as well as debris from the plane.
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) has called on members of the public to report any findings of debris from an aircraft to the authorities. pic.twitter.com/0fkpjDndY6
— SABC News (@SABCNews) August 17, 2025
The 61-year-old Johannesburg pilot was doing a display flight last Thursday when it crashed into the sea.
NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon says efforts have been underway since Tuesday to map debris field imagery using sonar equipment made available by private companies.
Lambinon says NSRI and navy craft are assisting official search and rescue teams, navy divers, as well as members of the Durban Undersea Club in the search.
“All wreckage recovered has been taken into the care of a metro police hangar at Virginia Airport for the Accident and Incident Division and the ongoing police investigation. Personal items have been returned to the family and arrangements are being made to return additional personal items recovered. The family is in the care of the authorities and is briefed in cooperation with friends and colleagues. The family has requested privacy in this difficult time.”
VIDEO | Search for Durban pilot is still underway:
