Ongoing Search for Missing Pilot Andrew Blackwood Murray Near Suncoast Casino

Durban – Andrew Blackwood Murray, a 61-year-old pilot, is still unaccounted for after his aircraft went down in the ocean near Suncoast Casino in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

The incident occurred on Thursday, 14 August 2025, during an airshow at the Durban North Coast Beach.

The search for the pilot resumed on Saturday, 16 August 2025.

Participating in the search efforts are police divers, Metro Police from Durban, and ALS Paramedics.

The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has issued a statement expressing its condolences regarding the aviation accident.

The statement noted that the Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) confirmed the incident happened around 13:45 when an Extra 300 aircraft (registration ZS-AEC) crashed into the sea during its final performance.

“Emergency medical services and law enforcement responded quickly to the scene,” the statement reported.

“A search and rescue operation commenced immediately after the crash and continues to this day.”

Poppy Khoza, the Director of Civil Aviation, remarked: “We are profoundly saddened by this event and are keeping the pilot, his family, and friends in our thoughts as rescue operations continue.”

“Our primary focus right now is on the ongoing mission, and we applaud the teams involved, wishing them strength as they carry on with their efforts.”

AIID is investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.

On Saturday, 16 August 2025, ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson commented: “The operation is still in progress at this time.”