While search operations continue for Johannesburg pilot, Andrew Blackwood-Murray, whose plane plunged into the ocean on Thursday, tributes have been flooding his social media pages.
Andrew Blackwood-Murray was undertaking his final aerial display in the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals Global Summit 2025 at Virginia airport when beachgoers witnessed his plane crash into the sea near Battery Beach.
A team of search and recovery services, led by police divers, is searching for the 61-year-old’s body.
Search operations continue in search of Andrew Blackwood-Murray
The team has had to contend with poor weather conditions, which stalled search operations. While they have yet to recover the pilot’s body, rescue services found plane wreckage.
According to a statement by the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) advanced search technology has been used during search operations. The NSRI, however does not believe the weather conditions hampered search operations as suggested by certain reports.
“We are appealing to the public and the maritime community to report any findings of debris related to the light aircraft accident,” said NSRI Spokesperson, Craig Lambinon.
Lambinon commended the aviation community and the public at large for their compassion and support during this time.
Facebook was abuzz with messages of condolences to the family.
One post shared by a friend Venessa Richardson read: “Gonna miss you. A gentleman, an amazing pilot. Andrew was always willing to chat, no matter how busy he was. He will certainly leave a gap in the airshow display calendar.”
Another friend, Ryan Douwie said: “My heart bleeds Andrew. You were such a gentleman. I’m glad I had the pleasure of sharing a classroom with you as part of the Airways April intake.”
Another poster Laura Moodley expressed sadness over his tragic death and conveyed her condolences to the Blackwood-Murray family.
Fazila Naidoo remarked: “Dear lord please let them find him, so his family and friend can have closure.”
What are your thoughts on missing pilot, Andrew Blackwood-Murray’s tragic death?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11.
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