More details emerge on missing plane, search across the Bass Strait continues

Authorities were first notified of the married couple and their dog's disappearance after they failed to arrive at Hillston Airport in western NSW.

Tasmania Police Northern District Commander Marco Ghedini didn't identify the couple or specify the plane's make and model.

He revealed that no distress call had been issued by the aircraft and added the only record of the flight's departure and expected arrival time was a flight note the pilot, a man in his 70s, had given to the family member he was visiting.

Tasmania Police Inspector Nick Clark said he was not aware of any further communication from the plane after it left George Town Airport.

He also confirmed the couple had interacted with people at the George Town Airport before they left.

Searches continued as of 8am, August 4. Commander Ghedini said Tasmania Police were optimistic the couple will be returned home safely.

"We remain optimistic at this stage, and we are still hopeful for a very positive outcome," he said.

So far, there has been no sight of the aircraft, the couple or their dog.

The couple left George Town at 12:45pm on Saturday, August 2.

On August 3, Inspector Clark said the pilot was experienced but had only purchased the small, green, twin-seat, single-engine aircraft in early 2025.

More to come