A search and rescue mission is underway in Indonesia’s Borneo island after an Estindo Air BK 117 D3 helicopter, carrying eight people, went missing on Monday. The aircraft, which lost contact near the Mandin Damar Waterfall in South Kalimantan province, was transporting a pilot, an engineer, and six passengers, including an Indian national, according to Indonesian news agency Antara.
Authorities confirmed that Indian national Santha Kumar was among the passengers. The others on board were identified as Captain Haryanto, engineer Hendra, Mark Werren, Yudi Febrian, Andys Rissa Pasulu, Claudine Quito, and Iboy Irfan Rosa.
Efforts to locate the missing helicopter have intensified, with aerial searches being carried out by two helicopters operating in shifts. Officials explained that simultaneous deployment in the same zone could pose risks to the joint rescue teams.
Alongside the aerial mission, a 140-member ground search team made up of personnel from various agencies and local volunteers has been mobilized. The teams are coordinating closely with air support while combing a 27-square-kilometre area where the aircraft is believed to have gone missing.
