PLANE LOST AT SEA
Pilot feared dead after Cessna from Caernarfon Airport vanishes off radar screen east of Anglesey
A PILOT is feared dead after their light aircraft vanished off the coast of Anglesey on Monday.
The coastguard launched a major search and rescue operation off Ynys Seiriol/Puffin Island after the Cessna disappeared from radar contact mid-flight.
Lifeboat crews and police were also drafted in to assist on Monday.
The pilot remained missing as the Herald went to press yesterday as the search continued in wet, windy and misty conditions.
North Wales Police confirmed that the pilot, who is understood to be an elderly man from the North Wales region, left Caernarfon Airport on Monday in order to fly over the Great Orme.
They said the pilot had planned to then return to the airport, but the plane disappeared just before 1pm.
Chief Inspector Essi Ahari said: “North Wales Police are supporting HM Coastguard in a search for a light aircraft that was flying from Caernarfon Airport to the Great Orme in Llandudno and back this afternoon [Monday].
“The aircraft had one pilot on board and no other passengers and family liaison officers are supporting the missing pilot’s family.”
Flight radar data showed the plane took off from Caernarfon, before flying over the Great Orme and then turning back towards the airport.
It disappeared from view after sharply dropping in altitude while over the Irish Sea.
After launching their search, HM Coastguard said: “HM Coastguard is currently co-ordinating a search and rescue in the Puffin Island area of North Wales following a report at 12.47pm today (25 November) that an aircraft had disappeared from radar contact.
“The search and rescue helicopter from Caernarfon has been sent, as well as coastguard rescue teams from Penmon and Bangor and a senior coastguard operations officer.
“The RNLI lifeboats from Beaumaris, Moelfre and Llandudno and North Wales Police have been sent.”
An update yesterday (Tuesday) said: “The search continues [...] Coastguard Rescue Teams from Llandudno, Bangor, Penmon, Moelfre and Cemaes, and the HM Coastguard fixed wing aircraft are searching the area along with North Wales Police.
“The Air Accident Investigation Branch has been informed and specialist police officers are supporting the family.”
The Air Accident Investigation Branch also confirmed that it sent a team to the scene of the incident.
It was confirmed that lifeboats remained on standby if they were needed.