PM orders rapid search, rescue of helicopter crash victims

In April 6 morning, more than 200 people and 30 vehicles of all kinds were mobilised for search and rescue activities (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi – Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang has signed a Prime Minister’s dispatch ordering relevant ministries, agencies and localities to take measures and mobilise forces and vehicles to conduct fastest and most effective search and rescue activities for the victims of a helicopter crash in Ha Long Bay area of northern Quang Ninh province.

The dispatch clarified that a Bell-505 helicopter, owned by the Northern Vietnam Helicopter Company under the Vietnam Helicopter Corporation, got an accident at about 5:06pm on April 5 in the sea area of Gia Luan commune, Cat Hai district of Hai Phong city while carrying four Vietnamese tourists on a sightseeing tour of Ha Long Bay.

In the dispatch, the Ministry of National Defence is tasked to investigate into the incident, reviewing all flight control procedures, fixing shortcomings and ensuring utmost safety for flights, while supporting the pilot’s family.

The National Committee on Incident and Disaster Response, Search and Rescue is requested to follow up search and rescue activities, mobilising forces and vehicles for the work.

PM orders rapid search, rescue of helicopter crash victims hinh anh 2

As of the end of April 5, the body of the pilot and two other victims had been found (Photo: VNA)

Meanwhile, the Chairmen of Hai Phong city and Quang Ninh province are asked to coordinate with the Ministry of National Defence during search and rescue activities, while settling the consequences of the incidents, supporting the victims’ facilities and calling for assistance from vessels operating in the area in seeking the victims.

At the same time, the Ministry of Transport is directed to provide support in forces, vehicles and necessary equipment for search and rescue activities.

On April 5 night, the Traffic Police Department sent two working groups with 21 officers and three vessels to the site to search for the victims.

As of the end of April 5, the body of the pilot and two other victims had been found.

In April 6 morning, more than 200 people and 30 vehicles of all kinds were mobilised for search and rescue activities.

Search and rescue operations underway for victims in helicopter crash on Ha Long Bay A Bell-505 helicopter coded VN-8650, owned by the Northern Vietnam Helicopter Company under the Vietnam Helicopter Corporation, took off at 4:56pm and lost contact at 5:15pm on April 5 while carrying four Vietnamese tourists on a sightseeing tour of Ha Long Bay from above.