BNPB continues wildfire suppression after helicopter crash in Barito River
New details: two Australian pilots survived, one Indonesian crew member is still missing, and BNPB is reviewing water-bombing safety procedures.
BNPB continued firefighting operations in several areas after a Super Puma H-225 helicopter with registration VH-HGM was believed to have crashed into the waters of the Barito River in Tabatan village, Kuripan district, Barito Kuala regency, South Kalimantan, on Sunday (8/11). Of the three crew members, two pilots from Australia were found alive and have received medical treatment. Another crew member, Helicopter Landing Officer Yayan Supyansuri, remains missing. Basarnas Banjarmasin SAR office deployed 18 personnel for the search together with the Indonesian Air Force, police, Babinsa, and local residents. BNPB said the current priorities include searching for the victim, securing the helicopter wreckage, and investigating the cause of the accident. The agency will also review fleet readiness, water pickup procedures, crew fitness, weather, and conditions at the operation site.