Airfast Helicopter Missing in Sumbawa

TEMPO Interactive, MATARAM:An Airfast Bell 412 OCV helicopter which serviced PT Newmont Nusa Tenggaras (NNT) exploration activities in Elang Block, Sumbawa regency, reportedly lost contact at around 13.42PM local time on Sunday. "Soldiers, the SAR team and the local people are currently searching for it," said PT NNTs public relations manager, Rubi Waprasa Purnomo, yesterday.He said the helicopter, piloted by Agus Herdian, who was accompanied by load master Paliung, departed from Elang Block en route to a camp in Lemurung. Rubi is coordinating with Airfast to confirm all assistance for the search.Sumbawa Police chief Comm. Kurnianto told Tempo the police had sent 60 personnel, including West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Mobile Brigade personnel, to two different locations; Lantung and Lemurung.According to information from locals in Sumbawa Besar, the hills are often foggy in Lantung. The distance to Lantung or Lemurung from Sumbawa Besar is two hours by land. "We think the helicopter is in Lantung," said Kurnianto.The NTB SAR operation sub-section head, Nanang Sigit P.H, said the helicopter had not been found up until last night. "Tomorrow morning, the search team will get help from the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas).SUPRIYANTHO KHAFID