Casualties feared in light plane crash off coast

File photo of a Marine Rescue NSW boat
Emergency crews are heading to where plane wreckage was found on the NSW mid-north coast. -AAP Image

People are feared dead after reports that a light plane crashed off the coast.

Emergency services responded after 4pm on Saturday to reports of a crash off Nambucca Heads on the NSW mid-north coast.

A witness said he saw a light plane appear go down out to sea, according to police.

Wreckage was seen about 1.5km offshore soon after, police said.

Water Police and the Westpac Rescue helicopter were making their way to the site.