The Search for Missing Fisherman Brings AMSA Challenger 604 Bizjets VH-XNF "Rescue 550" and VH-XNE "Rescue 330" to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from Essendon

On Thursday 28 May, the search for a missing fisherman off Hervey Bay saw a pair of Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) (Cobham SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjets coordinate the search after flying all the way up from Melbourne (Essendon) Airport.

File photo

VH-XNF as "Rescue 550" flew up from Essendon to search off Hervey Bay.  After some time, it landed at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport to refuel before then flying up to Cairns.

It appears that VH-XNF flew from Cairns to Essendon on Wednesday 27 May so its return to Cairns was to be expected.

VH-XNE as "Rescue 330" then also flew up from Essendon to the Hervey Bay area to continue the search.  It too was due to land at Hervey Bay Airport but ended up landing at Brisbane.

It's was also heard that a pair of helicopters were also participating in the search also on Thursday 28 May - LifeFlight Rescue Bell 412EP VH-XCY as "Rescue 522" and Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) Eurocopter (Bolkow) BO105 CBS-5 helicopter VH-NVH(?) "Lifesaver 46".

Our thoughts and prayers are with the missing man and his family and friends.

Photo taken by 'IAD'  ©