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<\/div>\n<\/div>\nThe chief executive of catering giant Compass Group has died in a New Year\u2019s Eve seaplane crash near Sydney alongside his two sons, fianc\u00e9e and her daughter, his firm has said.<\/p>\n
Richard Cousins died after the plane plunged into a river 30 miles (50km) north of Sydney.<\/p>\n
Mr Cousins, 58, died alongside Emma Bowden, 48, her 11-year-old daughter, and his sons, William, 25, and Edward, 23, police have said.<\/p>\n
The Australian pilot was also killed.<\/p>\n
Police in Australia have named the pilot as Gareth Morgan, 44.<\/p>\n
All six died after the seaplane \u2013 which belonged to a firm running sightseeing tours \u2013 came down in the Hawkesbury River, near the suburb of Cowan.<\/p>\n
The crash happened at about 15.10 local time (04.10 GMT) on Sunday, New South Wales Police said.<\/p>\n
BBC correspondent Phil Mercer said the family were believed to be returning to Sydney from an exclusive waterfront restaurant in Jerusalem Bay on New Year\u2019s Eve when the plane crashed.<\/p>\n
Mr Cousins had been chief executive of the Surrey-based Compass Group \u2013 thought to be the largest food service company in the world \u2013 since 2006.<\/p>\n
He was due to leave his role in March and retire from the group in September.<\/p>\n
\u2018A tragic accident\u2019<\/h2>\n
Paul Walsh, Compass chairman, said the firm was \u201cdeeply shocked and saddened\u201d by his death.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe thoughts of everyone at Compass are with Richard\u2019s family and friends, and we extend our deepest sympathies to them,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt has been a great privilege to know Richard personally and to work with him for the last few years.<\/p>\n
\u201cRichard was known and respected for his great humanity and a no-nonsense style that transformed Compass into one of Britain\u2019s leading companies.\u201d<\/p>\n
Detective Superintendent Mark Hutchings, head of the New South Wales marine area command, said: \u201cThese people had come over on holiday to one of the most beautiful parts of the world and for this to happen at a place like this is just tragic,\u201d he told a press conference.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of those people that perished.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cThis can only be described as a tragic accident, and our hearts go out to them.\u201d<\/p>\n
Plane \u2018sunk rapidly\u2019<\/h2>\n
Eyewitnesses said the aircraft turned sharply to the right shortly after taking off, before crashing.<\/p>\n
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) said the plane \u201csunk rapidly\u201d after crashing into the river.<\/p>\n
Police divers were flown to the scene, and all six bodies were recovered on Sunday evening.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe sequence of events leading up to the accident are not yet understood,\u201d the ATSB said.<\/p>\n
The single-engine aircraft belonged to sightseeing flight company Sydney Seaplanes, which offers scenic flights over local tourist attractions.<\/p>\n
Aaron Shaw, managing director of Sydney Seaplanes, said: \u201cWe do not yet know the cause of the accident.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said everyone at the firm was \u201cdeeply shocked by this incident\u201d, adding: \u201cWe have suspended all operations until further notice.\u201d<\/p>\n
The UK Foreign Office has said consular officials are in contact with local authorities and staff are \u201cready to provide consular assistance\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Source: BBC<\/p>\n
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