Search And Rescue Operation Continues For The Missing Personnel

By Normasitirena Hj Suhaini

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Friday 20 July 2012 – A Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF) helicopter Bell 212 was involved in an accident this afternoon in Kuala Belait area. The military aircraft was carrying 14 passengers who were returning back to Bandar Seri Begawan after undergoing their training.

Later in the evening, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam consented to send a message of condolence to the family members of the victims of yesterday afternoon's tragic accident involving a Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF) Bell 212 helicopter in Ulu Belait that involved the loss of lives, injuries and the missing personnel of Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF).

His Majesty expressed great sadness upon knowing of the tragic accident, and extended his condolences to the family members of the victims involved. His Majesty hoped that they would be patient, and also prayed that the souls of the victims would be blessed and placed with the pious.
For those who were injured, His Majesty prayed for their swift recovery. With regards to those who are still missing, His Majesty commanded the RBAF and relevant agencies to carry on urgent and continuous action to find and account for the missing personnel.

Following the accident, His Majesty consented to go to the RBAirF Base to personally observe the victims who were flown back from the crash site.
Also present at the RBAirF Base was His Royal Highness Second Lieutenant Prince Abdul Mateen.

His Majesty then consented to go to the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital to observe the condition of the victims who were receiving treatment. While at the RBAirF Base and at RIPAS Hospital, His Majesty consented to meet the families of the victims.

The Ministry of Defence is deeply saddened by this tragic accident and extends its sincere condolences and profound sympathy to the families and loved ones affected by this tragic loss. While the exact circumstances of this tragic incident remain to be determined, The Ministry of Defence is taking appropriate action to ascertain the facts.

Photos by Serabah Abas & Cpl Hj Helmi