Rescue operation underway in Mahdia-Imbaimadai area

–after authorities confirm visual sighting of suspected crash site 

THE Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) on Friday confirmed that a missing aircraft has been located, with a rescue operation now underway in the Mahdia–Imbaimadai area.

In a press release issued on April 10, 2026, the GCAA said it “responded to a missing aircraft incident involving a Cessna 208 (registration 8R-YAC), operated by Air Services Limited (ASL), on the Mahdia–Imbaimadai route.”

According to the agency, the aircraft departed Mahdia at 08:10hrs with only the pilot on board and was expected to arrive at Imbaimadai at 08:40hrs.

However, it “failed to report arrival, prompting a flight-progress check at 08:44hrs.”

The GCAA noted that weather conditions in the area included “heavy rainfall and reduced visibility.”

Search operations subsequently led to a breakthrough, as authorities confirmed a visual sighting of a suspected crash site.

The GCAA said this was “confirmed by two Trans Guyana Airways Cessna Caravans and a Britten-Norman Islander.”

A rescue operation is underway, with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) dispatching a team to the location. The release noted that the team includes “special forces and medical personnel.”

Authorities cautioned that the situation remains fluid, emphasising that “all information is preliminary, pending on-site verification.”

The GCAA added that further updates will be provided as more details become available.

In a statement issued Friday evening, ASL echoed the GCAA’s position regarding the aircraft and said it is working closely with the relevant authorities.

The company added that further updates will be provided as soon as confirmed information becomes available.

National Security Adviser to President, Dr Irfaan Ali, Captain Gerald “Gerry” Gouveia, in a Facebook post on Friday, said the operation has reached a critical stage as rescuers attempt to locate and reach the pilot.

“Today, we pray,” Gouveia stated.

He noted that there is “a race against time to reach the crash site, to reach the pilot,” adding that elite members of the Guyana Defence Force Special Forces are actively engaged in the operation under dangerous conditions.

“At this very moment, the brave ranks of the Guyana Defence Force Special Forces are putting their lives on the line,” he wrote.

According to Gouveia, the search environment presents severe challenges, with rugged geography and unstable weather complicating efforts to access the area where the aircraft is believed to have gone down.

“The terrain is unforgiving—steep mountains, deep valleys, powerful winds, and dark, unstable weather conditions,” he said, adding: “Yet, our special forces remain resolute, focused, and determined.”

He further explained that a carefully coordinated insertion plan is being executed in order to safely approach the crash site.

“A precise and dangerous operation is underway,” Gouveia stated, noting: “They will insert by winch on the far side of the ridge—where the winds are more stable. From there, they will move on foot, climbing the face of the ridge and descending carefully to intercept the aircraft.”

He emphasised that every stage of the mission carries significant risk due to the harsh conditions and the terrain’s instability.

“Every step is a risk. Every moment counts,” he warned.

The immediate priority of the operation, according to the National Security Adviser, is the safe recovery of the pilot.

“The priority is clear: reach the pilot,” he said.

Gouveia also expressed support for the personnel involved in the rescue effort, calling for prayers and solidarity as the operation continues under challenging circumstances.

“We stand in full support of these courageous men and women. We pray for their safety, their strength, and for a successful rescue,” he added.

Rescue efforts are also being supported by the Aviation Operators’ Association of Guyana (AOAG), which said in a statement that all private aircraft operators are actively assisting with the national response. Up to press time, the rescue operation was still in progress.