In Photo: Missing GDF Bell 412 Helicopter (8R-AYA)

A search and rescue operation is underway for a Guyana Defence Force (GDF) helicopter that went missing on Thursday December 6, 2023 while transporting soldiers between Arau and Eteringbang, near the border with Venezuela.

The Bell helicopter lost contact with the ground control around 10:30 am, according to GDF Chief of Staff Brigadier Omar Khan, who addressed the media in a press conference on Thursday. He said the weather conditions in the area were poor and hampered the search efforts, which were suspended in the evening and will resume on Friday morning.

Brigadier Khan expressed optimism that the crew and passengers of the helicopter are safe and will be found alive.

Free Press268 will be following this developing story.