Search and rescue (SAR) teams continue their mission through tough winds, mist and rain between the Lebombo Mountains to find a missing Cessna 206 aircraft.

Gregory Critchley, chief of the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre, shared that two helicopters were dispatched to assist in the search, but were forced to return to base due to deteriorating weather conditions in the region.

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He also confirmed that there was only one person on board.

SAPS SAR, SARZA, ER24, SAPPI, Fidelity Security Services, Netcare HEMS (Aeromed 4), Emer-G-Med and Working on Fire joined forces near the Barberton Nature Reserve to help locate the aircraft.

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“Ground SAR teams remain mobilised and are actively directing search efforts within the primary area,” stated Critchley.

The aircraft departed from King Mswati III International Airport in Eswatini and was scheduled to arrive at Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport at 13:53 local time, but failed to land as expected.

This is a developing story. Lowvelder will update its readers as more information is made available.