A body, believed to be that of a pilot who disappeared when his aircraft crashed into the sea in Durban, has been found. 

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The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) said Metro Police Search and Rescue, the SA Police Services and local security attended Bay of Plenty Beach in Durban late on Friday night, where a man’s body was found and recovered.  

While the deceased was taken into the care of the Police and Government Health Forensic Pathology Services, NSRI spokesperson, Craig Lambinon, said authorities have indicated that the body is believed to be that of missing pilot Andrew Blackwood-Murray.

“While indications are that the body is that of missing pilot Andrew Blackwood-Murray, formal Police protocols and formal identification is still in progress to be observed respectfully in cooperation with family.”  

An inquest docket has been opened. 

61-year-old Blackwood-Murray had been missing since 14 August when his Extra 300 aerobatic aircraft crashed into the sea near Suncoast Beach during its final display at an airshow linked to the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals Summit. Video footage showed the plane trailing smoke before spiralling into the water. 

In the weeks following the crash, Metro Police, eThekwini Municipal lifeguards, NSRI rescue craft, divers, helicopters and emergency services embarked on extensive searches. Wreckage was recovered from the shore and from beyond the back breakers, with advanced search technology used to map sea drift patterns.  

Despite these efforts, the pilot remained unaccounted for until the discovery at Bay of Plenty Beach. 

“Condolences are conveyed to family, friends and colleagues… Family has declined interviews respectfully requesting privacy in this difficult time,” said Lambinon.