CHANTHABURI — A search and rescue operation resumed for a third day Monday for a missing Air Force helicopter and its crew of three.
Officials said they’re still not sure what happened to the Bell-UH1 after contact was lost Saturday over the Khao Chamao-Khao Wong National Park, which straddles the border between Rayong and Chanthaburi provinces. The helicopter was on its way to resupply an air force radar station.
Chanthaburi Gov. Witoorat Srinam said Sunday evening the searching operation involving 300 officers still did not succeed. Reports that some villagers might have seen members of the crew could not be verified due to poor weather, which was keeping rescue efforts limited to ground operations.
The governor and regional military commander on Sunday joined in an animistic prayer ceremony appealing to nature spirits for help..
Those who vanished with the helicopter included pilots Squadron Leader Pasit Techasen and Flight Lt. Alongkorn Chankrachan, along with maintenance officer Flight Sgt. 1st Class Visut Puttharaksa.
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