Wreckage Of Two Albatross Aircraft Found

Wreckage of missing planes found

Helicopters locate wreckage of two planes that went missing on Sunday carrying 13 people

DES LATHAM

Published: 2011/08/16 09:59:06 AM

Rescue officials have confirmed that the wreckage of the two Albatross aircraft with 13 on board has been located in the George’s Valley area near Tzaneen.

Aviation support spokesman, Ray de Vries, told Business Day that helicopters were eventually able to take off this morning and quickly located the wreckage in George’s Valley.

"We can confirm that the wreckage has been found, but there is no sign of survivors," said de Vries.

"As we speak, rescuers are being lowered from a helicopter to the ground to take a closer look. There is no sign of a fire," he said.

The search was put on hold at 6pm on Monday after mist and rainy conditions worsened.

An Oryx helicopter from the South African Air Force joined search efforts according to officials.

It was raining in Tzaneen on Tuesday early morning as search and rescue personnel and family members arrived at the Mopani District Municipality Disaster Management Centre.

The Albatross planes were presumed to have crashed in the George’s Valley area, between Polokwane and Tzaneen, on Sunday.

Initially it had been reported that 12 people were aboard the two aircraft, but it has since been confirmed that it was 13 people.