Tanah Bumbu, Kalsel (ANTARA) - A joint search and rescue (SAR) team on Tuesday entered its second day of operations to locate the missing Estindo Air BK117 D3 helicopter, which lost contact on Monday near Mandin Damar Waterfall, Mentewe, in South Kalimantan.
Head of the Banjarmasin SAR Office I Putu Sudayana, stated that the aerial search involved two helicopters—one from the National Police Headquarters and another from the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB).
“The National Police helicopter departed from Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan, and headed directly to Syamsudin Noor Airport in Banjarbaru,” Putu said.
The BNPB helicopter began its mission around 7:50 a.m. WITA, heading to the suspected last known location of the missing aircraft.
The two helicopters are operating in shifts to ensure safety, as simultaneous deployment in the same area could endanger the SAR team.
In addition to the aerial search, Putu deployed a ground team of 140 personnel from various agencies and local volunteers.
The joint team is covering a 27-square-kilometer search area in coordination with air support.
“Please pray that today’s efforts lead to the discovery of the missing helicopter,” Putu urged.
The Estindo Air BK117 D3 helicopter, carrying eight people—including a pilot, an engineer, and six passengers—lost contact on Monday while flying over Mentewe.
The passengers were identified as Captain Haryanto, Eng Hendra, Mark Werren, Yudi Febrian, Andys Rissa Pasulu, Santha Kumar, Claudine Quito, and Iboy Irfan Rosa.
