MAJOR search has begun for a Cessna plane believed to have crashed into the ocean off Victoria's south-west coast today.
A police spokesman said they received a report that the Cessna ditched into the Southern Ocean about 10 nautical miles south of Warrnambool just before 5pm (AEDT).
It also was reported the plane had been dumping fuel before it crashed, he said.
The spokesman said it was believed only one person was on board the private charter plane.
The police air wing and dive team are on their way to the scene, as is the air ambulance, Southern Peninsula Rescue and two fixed wing aircraft.
A Rural Ambulance spokesman said someone on board the plane had set off a radio beacon.
Lets hope the occupants made it out ok.