Firefighting helicopter crashes into Barito River, 1 crew missing
BNPB revised its initial report, saying the two Australian pilots survived while a SAR team deployed 18 personnel and dive gear.
A Super Puma H-225 helicopter on a forest and land fire suppression mission crashed into the Barito River in Barito Kuala Regency, South Kalimantan, on Sunday. BNPB updated its initial report and said one of the three crew members remains missing. The two Australian nationals, Hugh Andrew John Page and Michael John Betteridge, were found alive and have received medical treatment. The crew member still being searched for is Yayan Supiansuri, a Helicopter Landing Officer. The Banjarmasin SAR office sent 18 personnel at 13.10 Wita with a Rigid Inflatable Boat, diving equipment and an aqua eye. BNPB said the helicopter was taking water from the river for water bombing when the accident occurred, and the cause will be investigated.