RCMP, rescue crews searching Fraser River for missing plane
There have been no confirmed sightings, or recovery of any parts of the plane.”
RCMP Cpl. Chris Manseau
Ridge Meadows RCMP searched along the Fraser River in Maple Ridge Sunday for a missing plane with two occupants.
Around 1 p.m. on Saturday, a witness reported seeing a small plane flying low above the river before going into the water and quickly disappearing from view.
RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Chris Manseau says an airport tower in the area indicated that there were no reports of any airplanes known to be in the area at that time, and no reports of planes in distress. He also said several other local airports were contacted but none were expecting any planes and none were reported overdue.
It was late Saturday afternoon that the Boundary Bay Airport in Delta reported that a small plane matching the one described by the witness and carrying two people was overdue.
Mounties, assisted by members from the Vancouver police marine unit, Abbotsford police, Maple Ridge search and rescue and the Joint Rescue Coordination Center, searched the area around 287th Street and Lougheed Highway, until 7 p.m. Saturday but did locate any parts of an airplane or debris.
The search for the missing plane started up again Sunday morning.
“Currently the Vancouver Police Marine Unit, RCMP Underwater Recovery team,
RCMP Air 5 helicopter and multiple search and rescue teams continue to search the surrounding area and Fraser River for the airplane,” Manseau stated in a news release.
“There have been no confirmed sightings, or recovery of any parts of the plane, and no contact with those on board.”
The Transportation Safety Board and the families of those on board have been contacted.
Police say the flight plan submitted by the missing pilot did not take the plane into the area where it was reportedly seen going into the water.