– no indication of Venezuelan involvement
– additional resources, manpower to be deployed as the search continues today
ADDITIONAL resources and manpower will be deployed today as part of a search and rescue operation to locate a Bell 402 Army helicopter that lost signal some 30 miles from Guyana’s borders near Venezuela.
Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Chief of Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan on Wednesday evening, told a news conference at Base Camp Ayanganna that due to extreme weather conditions, the search had been called off.
Around midday on Wednesday, news broke that the Bell 402 Army helicopter, piloted by Captian Mike Charles, had gone missing.
According to Brigader Khan, Captain Charles, and six other ranks—Colonel Michael Shahoud, Retired Brigadier Gary Beaton, Lieutenant Colonel Sean Welcome, and Staff Sergeant Jason Khan, Lieutenant Colonel Andio Michaeal Crawford and Corporal Dwayne Johnson were on board the aircraft.
Early reports, according to the Chief of Staff, showed that the aircraft landed at Olive Creek to refuel shortly after take-off contact was lost.

The team, led by Colonel Michael Shahoud, Commander of the First Infantry Battalion, was visiting troops who were on the western area of the country’s border.
Over the past few weeks, the army’s presence has multiplied to sections of the country’s borders.
During the day, speculations were made due to growing tensions over the ongoing border controversy with Venezuela; however, Brigadier Khan noted that the army has received no indication that Venezuela is involved.
“This event, this incident, I’m sure, has generated additional anxiety in this period that we are in,” Brigadier Khan acknowledged.
“Tomorrow [Thursday] we’ll see additional assets be deployed as is necessary,” he further assured.
According to Brigadier Khan, an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) was received. This, he explained to reporters, is triggered by an impact or manually.
He noted a skyvan, and members of Special Forces were deployed. Initially, it was the hope that troops apart from the search and rescue operation would descend to the heavily forested area to intensify the search further.
However, thick fog and other elements of nature narrowed this option.
He noted that the missing aircraft is fully equipped and has remote communication devices; however, no contact has been made up to press time.
“There is a satellite phone on the aircraft other than its organic and indigenous communication set used to communicate with the tight control …we have not had any reports of any interference related to communication. But if you know the satellite phone communication depends on a clear sky.”
While sections of the media pressed the army chief for additional information on the border controversy and GDF’s possible response, he maintained that the safety of the missing ranks is of utmost importance.
“We are a different breed of people. When we wear this uniform, it brings a new meaning to life…we live our lives to serve the country.”
“We are always concerned with the safety of our ranks, and this remains a priority for us,” Brigadier Khan said.
The families of the ranks have been updated on the situation.
Brigadier Khan noted that some of the army’s best and bravest are aboard the aircraft.
He maintained optimism that today’s operation would yield positive results.