The body believed to be of missing Durban Pilot found on a local beach
Mapaballo Borotho
- Authorities in KwaZulu-Natal have discovered a body washed up on a Durban beach, believed to be that of missing pilot Andrew Blackwood-Murray.
- The South African Airways pilot went missing last month after his light aircraft crashed into the sea during an aerial display.
- Officials say formal identification is still underway, but hope the discovery will bring closure to his family.
Emergency authorities in KwaZulu-Natal have confirmed the discovery of a body believed to be that of missing South African Airways and aerobatic pilot Andrew Blackwood-Murray.
The body was found washed up on a Durban beach on Saturday morning.
Blackwood-Murray disappeared last month after his light aircraft plunged into the ocean during an aerial display in Durban.
The South African Civil Aviation Authority’s Accident and Incident Investigation Division confirmed that his ZS-AEC Extra 300 aircraft crashed into the sea on August 14, shortly after completing its final display.
KZN MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, said that while initial indications point to the body being Blackwood-Murray’s, police protocols and a formal identification process must still be followed in cooperation with his family.
Duma added that his office is working closely with the SAPS, eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba, and Transport Minister Barbara Creecy to manage the matter with sensitivity.
“We sincerely hope that the discovery of the body of Andrew Blackwood-Murray will assist his wife and the whole family to find closure after a prolonged period of uncertainty and grief,” Duma said.
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