Rescue ship searching for Casa 212 aircraft (Source: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – Rescue forces of the Defence Ministry and other units on June 23 determined the position of the missing rescue aircraft CASA 212 at a depth of between 50-60 metres under the sea level, 15 nautical miles south-southeast of Bach Long Vi island.
An unidentified body was also found in the located area.
Rescuers have been directed to accelerate the search, promptly verify relevant information and regularly report outcomes to the Ministry of National Defence.
On June 16, the CASA 212 with nine crewmembers on board was dispatched after rescue units received a help signal believed to be from Senior Lieutenant Colonel Tran Quang Khai, who was the missing pilot aboard fighter jet SU30-MK2 that went down during a training session two days earlier.
After passing Bach Long Vy island district in the Tonkin Gulf by 44 nautical miles, the plane asked for permission to descend but contact was then cut.
Several pieces of debris and objects were found 20 nautical miles south-southeast of Bach Long Vy island and three nautical miles to the delimitation line on the Tonkin Gulf. They have been determined as belonging to the CASA 212.
The SU30 MK2 aircraft with two pilots went missing at 6:50 am of June 14 in the area of Hon Mat Island, about 40km off the coast of the central province of Nghe An’s Vinh city. One pilot has been rescued by fishing boats and brought ashore safely.
The body of Khai was found on June 17 and brought ashore on June 18.-VNA
