‘Very Experienced’ Hang Glider Goes Missing Near National Park, Vanished Moments After Take Off

Authorities in New South Wales are searching for a 59-year-old hang glider who disappeared after taking off from Lindemans Point near Booti Booti National Park on Sunday, Oct. 26.

According to a statement from the NSW Police Force, emergency services were called to Lakeside Crescent in Elizabeth Beach around 4 p.m. after reports that a hang glider had gone missing. Officers from the Manning/Great Lakes Police District were told that the man launched from Lindemans Point but is believed to have lost altitude shortly afterward.

A coordinated search began immediately, involving the Marine Area Command, Surf Lifesaving NSW, Marine Rescue NSW, Fire and Rescue NSW, the Rural Fire Service, NSW Ambulance, and Toll Ambulance Rescue.

Authorities said another pilot who took off soon after also lost altitude and crashed into the sea but was able to reach shore unharmed.

The search for the missing man, whose identity has not been released, remains ongoing.

Inspector David Coyle of the Great Lakes Police District told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) that the missing pilot was a local resident and “very, very experienced at what he does.” He described the disappearance as “very much out of the blue.”

Inspector Courtney Greenslade of Marine Rescue NSW said in a statement that the organization’s Forster 30 vessel continued searching on Monday. “The volunteer crew completed a coastal search en route to the search area,” she noted.

“FO 30 is conducting a parallel-line search with Water Police from Lindeman Cove in the north to Blueys Head in the south, supported by radio operators from Marine Rescue Forster Tuncurry,” Greenslade said. “Conditions are currently favourable offshore, but 20-knot winds and a 1.5- to 2.5-metre swell are forecast later today.”

Graeme Cran, a paraglider with Mid North Coast Flyers, told ABC that Booti Booti National Park is a popular location for gliding but carries inherent risks.

“Booti Booti is not an inherently dangerous site, but any aviation sport is inherently dangerous,” he said. “If you land in the ocean with a hang glider, you’re in trouble, as they do sink. You have to get out of the harness before hitting the water or as soon as possible.”

He added, “We train for these situations.”