One year after a Deloraine couple disappeared during a flight from northern Tasmania, the mystery of what happened to them and their aircraft remains unsolved.
Gregory Vaughan, 72, and his partner Kim Worner, 66, departed from the George Town airport at approximately 12:45 pm on Saturday, 2 August 2025, according to Tasmania Police. The couple, accompanied by their dog Molly, were flying to Hillston in central western New South Wales, with a planned stop in Victoria.
Family members raised the alarm on the Saturday evening after the distinctive green, two-seater Bristell S-LSA aircraft failed to arrive at its destination. In a statement at the time, Tasmania Police Inspector Nick Clark confirmed that the couple had not been in contact with anyone or with aviation authorities after their departure from George Town.
The disappearance triggered a major search and rescue operation involving Tasmania Police, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), and volunteer pilots. According to police statements, extensive aerial and marine searches were conducted across Tasmania’s north, the northern coastline, the Furneaux Islands group, and into Bass Strait, using helicopters and police vessels.
However, the search was hampered in the initial days by poor weather, low cloud, and rough sea conditions. Despite the significant resources deployed, police reported that no trace of the plane, its occupants, or any debris was ever located.
Friends of Mr. Vaughan, described by the ABC as an experienced pilot, raised concerns early on when he did not make his usual radio calls after taking off.
After a comprehensive review and having found no new areas to search, Tasmania Police formally suspended the search on 23 September 2025. At the time, Inspector Craig Fox stated there was no evidence to suggest the circumstances were suspicious and that a report would be prepared for the coroner.
As the ABC reported on the anniversary, friends of the couple are still hoping for answers.