Missing Light Plane Couple Identified as Search Continues

Tasmania Police have released the identities of the two people on board a light aircraft that has been missing since Saturday, with the consent of their family.

Gregory Vaughan, 72, and his partner Kim Worner, 66, both from Deloraine, were travelling with their dog Molly in a distinctive green Bristell S-LSA two-seater aircraft. The plane departed from George Town Airport at approximately 12:45pm on Saturday but failed to reach its intended destination in central New South Wales.

Inspector Nick Clark from Tasmania Police said concerns were raised on Saturday evening after the pair failed to arrive as scheduled and could not be contacted.

"There has been no communication from either person since they departed George Town, nor have they made contact with aviation authorities," Inspector Clark said.

Authorities are urging anyone who may have seen the aircraft or noticed anything unusual-such as debris on land or in the water-to contact Tasmania Police on 131 444.

A police helicopter conducted an aerial search along the northern Tasmanian coastline from George Town to Turners Beach on Tuesday, but no sign of the aircraft has been found. Poor weather and low cloud cover hampered visibility, and marine search operations were suspended due to rough sea conditions.

Inspector Clark confirmed that search operations will continue on Wednesday.

"Extensive resources have been deployed, and Pol Air will remain involved in the search over the next two days," he said. "After that, efforts will be reviewed depending on any new information that may emerge."

"The longer Gregory and Kim remain missing, the greater our concern for their safety."