Rough terrain, adverse weather challenge search for 7 missing GDF ranks, helicopter

…search to resume today

In a rapid response to a distress call sent by the captain of a Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Bell-412 helicopter, search and rescue teams, alongside Guyana’s Special Forces, have been deployed into the deep jungle between Arau and Eteringbang, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).
The mission’s primary objective is to locate seven Guyana Defence Force (GDF) ranks along with a Bell-412 helicopter that disappeared during a border operation in the Ekereku River area of Region Seven on Wednesday.
The GDF helicopter, commanded by military aviators Lieutenant Colonel (Reserve) Mike Charles and Lieutenant Colonel Andio Michael Crawford, transmitted an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal at about 11:20h on Wednesday. Onboard were other distinguished officers, including retired Brigadier Gary Beaton; Colonel Michael Shahoud; Lt. Colonel Sean Welcome; Sergeant Jason Khan, and Corporal Dwayne Jackson.
Having departed from Base Camp Ayanganna, the helicopter transmitted an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal at 11:20h around 30 miles east of Arau. Despite challenging weather conditions, search and rescue teams tirelessly worked to locate the ranks, yet their efforts proved unsuccessful.
Guyana Times understands that the Skyvan which was dispatched in search of the missing servicemen had arrived at the area from where the distress signal was sent. However, due to the bad weather, the aerial visibility was poor, forcing the Skyvan to land at the nearest aerodrome at Blake Slate, which is situated some five miles away from where the distress signal originated.
At a press conference at Base Camp Ayanganna on Wednesday evening, Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Omar Khan, announced the suspension of search efforts late Wednesday afternoon, with plans to resume early Thursday (today).
“I am confident that what we would have gained today [Wednesday] on the terrain and other data, it will be a better day tomorrow,” expressed the Chief of Staff.
Brigadier Khan explained that the search was temporarily halted due to adverse weather conditions, but would resume as the weather improved. He expressed optimism about the experienced personnel on board, and suggested the ELT signal indicated a possible crash landing.
“On receipt of that ELT signal, we activated our analysis. We attempted to make contact with the aircraft, and no communication was obtained. We immediately activated our search-and-rescue process, and this involved coordination across our own services and with the Private Sector,” explained Brigadier Khan.
Amid heightened tensions between Guyana and Venezuela, and with the Venezuelan President’s recent actions declaring Essequibo a new Venezuelan state, disappearance of the Guyana Defence Force helicopter raises concerns. However, GDF Chief of Staff Brigadier Khan has said, “I am not in receipt of any of information that would indicate such a scenario.”
He said the crew and military personnel on board the helicopter are some of the more experienced members of the Guyana Defence Force. As such, he would remain optimistic that they would be found alive and well.
Khan emphasised the GDF’s commitment to communicating with the families, and vowed to intensify search efforts as weather conditions improve.
GDF has confirmed collaboration with Private-sector aircraft operators in the ongoing search efforts. (G9)