Search continues for missing GDF helicopter

GEORGETOWN (CMC):

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) on Wednesday said that it has initiated a search-and-rescue operation to locate a missing helicopter carrying three crew members and four passengers.

In a brief statement, the GDF said that the operation is “impacted by adverse weather conditions” and that the Bell 412 Helicopter (8R-AYA) had departed Base Camp Ayanganna at 09:23 a.m. (local time).

“The aircraft transmitted an Emergency Locator Transmitter signal at 11:20 hours, from coordinates approximately 30 miles east of Arau on our western borders,” it said, adding that “further information will be provided as soon as they are made available”.

Media reports said that the helicopter had gone missing in the Essequibo county region, and it was being piloted by veteran army pilot Mike Charles.

The helicopter is reported to have been shuttling from Ekereku to Olive Creek in Essequibo county, and that a search-and-rescue team aboard a SkyVan has been deployed to the area.

Venezuela has been claiming the Essequibo county and on Tuesday, President Nicolas Maduro announced that a bill would be sent to the National Assembly for the creation of a “Guyana Esequiba” province in a region Guyana has administered for over a century.

Maduro gave an ultimatum to oil companies working under concessions given by Guyana to withdraw their operations within three months.