Australian dies in PNG plane crash

One Australian has died and others remain missing after their plane crashed in Papua
New Guinea's Milne Bay Province.
Australian Reef Pilots confirmed to AAP that one of their staff members died when
their chartered plane crashed on Tuesday afternoon.
Other Australians, not working with Australian Reef Pilots, were on board but their
fate was not immediately known.
Acting CEO for PNG Ports Jerome Peniasi told AAP the Australians on the plane were
working with Australian Reef Pilots near Misima Island, Milne Bay, on PNG's
southeast tip.
"We are aware of the accident but we still don't have much information as
communication has been difficult," he said.
Australian Reef Pilots (ARP) chief executive officer Craig Southerwood issued a
short statement on Tuesday evening.
"ARP is shocked and saddened by the loss of one of our marine pilots in a chartered
plane crash in PNG this afternoon," he said.
"Chairman Don McLay is visiting with the family of our deceased workmate and friend
to offer them the company's sympathy and any assistance at this terrible time.
"We are all shattered by this tragedy," he said.
ARP provides help for vessels navigating in difficult shipping lanes and provides
emergency and temporary port pilots and marine consultancy.
According to ARP's website, the company has been involved in marine pilotage through
Queensland's shipping channels for more than 100 years.