BENZIE COUNTY, Mich. (WXYZ) — The Benzie County Sheriff's Office and Michigan State Police have located the small missing plane about five miles off the coast of Frankfort in about 515 feet of water.
There was no sign of the passengers, officials say.
The Michigan State Police Marine Services Team (MSP/MST) located a structure shaped like an aircraft at around 5:15 p.m. Wednesday afternoon using an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle with sonar.
A rover with video capability was then used to confirm the identity of the plane. The video was also used to search the area and interior of the aircraft for the pilot and passenger. At the time of the release, they have not been located.
The progress in this search has only been possible due to collaboration between the Benzie Sheriff’s Department and the Michigan State Police. Both agencies are committed to continued collaboration as the search continues for Emanuel Manos and Randal Dippold. While we’re happy to provide some additional information to their families, we recognize that closure may be difficult to find without the location of their missing loved ones. Our continued thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Anyone with information is asked to the Benzie County Sheriff's Office at (231) 882-4484.
