Fears Grow for Missing Hang-Glider Pilot Swept Out to Sea Off NSW Mid North Coast
- A 59-year-old hang-glider pilot is feared lost at sea after losing altitude near Forster on the NSW Mid North Coast
- Emergency services have launched a massive land and sea search, but strong winds and swells are hindering rescue efforts
- The hang-glider community is on high alert, with experts warning that landing in the ocean with a hang-glider can be catastrophic
A desperate search is underway for a 59-year-old hang-glider pilot who vanished while flying off the NSW Mid North Coast on Sunday afternoon. The man, who has not been named, lost altitude shortly after launching off Lindeman’s Point near Forster, and was last seen drifting out to sea.
Emergency services, including Marine Rescue crews, launched a massive land and sea search on Sunday, but the operation has been hampered by strong winds and swells. “Deteriorating conditions aren’t in our favour for conducting searches of this nature,” warned Mid North Coast duty operations manager Courtney Greenslade. “So we’d like to make sure we conduct as much of that search as possible while conditions are in our favour.”
The hang-glider community is on high alert, with experts warning that landing in the ocean with a hang-glider can be catastrophic. “If you land in the ocean with a hang-glider, you’re in trouble as they do sink,” said Graeme Cran, a paraglider with Mid North Coast Flyers. “You have to get out of the harness before hitting the water or as soon as possible. We train for these situations.”
The search has resumed on Monday morning, with crews focusing on an area off the Booti Booti National Park. The community is holding its breath as the search continues, with many hoping for a miracle rescue.
