James Rose: MasterChef cameraman, 30, is revealed to be one of two people on board ex-fighter jet that crashed into Port Phillip Bay – as desperate mayday call sheds light on mid-air collision

• Mid-air collision causes one aircraft to crash off Melbourne coast
• MasterChef cameraman confirmed to be on board the crashed jet 
• READ MORE:  Father and son killed in South Australia plane crash

A cameraman who worked on MasterChef was one of two people on board a plane that crashed into the water near Melbourne.

James Rose, 30, was filming footage for a new TV show in one of two Viper S-211 Marchetti fighter Jets flying in tandem on Sunday, when the the aircrafts collided about 1.40pm.

One of the jets plunged into Port Phillip Bay off the Mornington Peninsula while the other miraculously made it back to Essendon airport.

A massive search operation has uncovered wreckage from the plane but so far found no sign of Mr Rose or the pilot. The search is set to continue throughout the night. 

The harrowing mayday call by the surviving pilot reveals what happened in the aftermath of the collision.

‘Viper 1 … mayday, mayday, mayday,’ the surviving pilot said. 

An air traffic control operator then replies: ‘Viper 1, roger your mayday. You anticipate Viper 1 in the water?’

‘I am anticipating Viper 2 in the water… we can see a splash mark,’ the pilot responded.

A cameraman on MasterChef, James Rose, 30, (pictured) was on board a plane that crashed on Sunday afternoon

The family of Mr Rose now have an anxious evening ahead as they hold out hope he and the pilot may still be alive. 

‘I don’t know if I’ll be able to cope with staying all night. It’s all so surreal,’ His father David Rose told the Herald Sun.

Members of their family have gathered at the Mount Martha Life Saving Club, where the search and rescue mission is being directed from.

‘We’re so proud of him,’ his father added.

‘He is recognised as one of the best drone operators in Australia and worked on all the big name TV shows.

‘That’s why he was up there, in the plane today.’

Both planes are operated by Jetworks Aviation and run 45-minute joy flights costing $7750, that simulate a military fighter jet experience with ‘only one wing span separating the aircraft’. 

Mr Rose was on one of two Viper S-211 Marchetti fighter Jets (pictured) flying in tandem on Sunday, when the the aircrafts collided about 1.40pm

A massive search operation has uncovered wreckage from the plane but so far found no sign of James or the pilot, with the search is set to continue throughout the night

‘After you both kit up and take the obligatory photos (while you looking fresh faced), you will experience your combat leaders brief to prepare for the upcoming sortie,’ the website reads.

‘You and your wingman will simultaneously depart Essendon Airport as a close formation pair.

‘The two aircraft will perform some air show style formation aerobatic manoeuvres before separating into the ­dynamic combat formation. After crisscrossing over the bay in a modern dogfight, the two aircraft will return in formation passing close to Melbourne’s beautiful skyline.’

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau and Victoria Police are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or have footage is urged to contact the ATSB immediately.

READ MORE: Anthony Albanese is slammed for ‘delaying’ the release of details about Australian Navy accident that injured divers

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