Search for missing plane in southern lake ends with no answers

Police have finished searching a South Westland lake for a plane that disappeared almost 50 years ago with seven people on board, but say nothing was found that warranted further investigation.The aircraft - ZK-EBU - went missing in 1978 during a chartered scenic flight from Dunedin through Queenstown, Milford Sound and Preservation Inlet.Last contact with the plane was made while it was flying through Milford Sound.The seven people on board included pilot Edward Morrison and passengers David Hogg and Earl, Elizabeth, David, Alec and Rosemary Eliza Stuart.Navy, police and coastguard crews have scoured Lake Moeraki north of Haast for the past two days, following a possible sighting of the plane.Senior Sergeant Mark Kirkwood said sonar and divers were used to assess the lake bed, but nothing useful was found.He said the outcome was disappointing for families after a difficult and emotional few days."We know this search has carried great significance for the families of the seven people who disappeared nearly five decades ago."The missing plane.SuppliedFive members of the Stuart family of Dunedin were on the plane, and a spokesperson today said the family was grateful for the search."The Stuart family at the search site would like to give our sincerest gratitude to Gavin Grimmer for all his continued effort in searching for our family. We would also like to thank the various agencies including New Zealand Police, the police national dive squad, the Royal New Zealand Navy and the coast guard whom dedicated their precious time and resources to the search, and for their empathetic and courteous approach towards us during this difficult time."The outcome was obviously not what we wanted and it has brought up many raw emotions and memories but it has been a pleasure to be with family and share stories of those lost."Pete and Steve from Coastguard during the search for Piper Cherokee Six aircraft ZK-EBU.Supplied / NZ PoliceKirkwood said while the outcome may be disappointing for the families keen for answers, the operation had allowed investigators to assess information that warranted examination."Whenever new information of this nature comes to light, we have a responsibility to assess it carefully and professionally."Although we have not located anything that requires further investigation today, the work carried out means we can confidently account for the areas searched and the information that led us here."Dive squad getting ready to go underwater.Supplied / NZ PoliceKirkwood also acknowledged the support of Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio, partner agencies, local landowners, and the wider Haast community throughout the operation."We are also grateful to the families for the trust they have placed in us and for the dignity they have shown throughout what has been an emotional and significant few days."He said police did not expect to carry out any further search activity at Lake Moeraki, but data gathered will be analysed over coming days."Any fresh evidence brought forward will continue to be considered."