The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) entered the second day of its search and rescue operation today (Thursday 7th December 2023), to locate one of its helicopters which went missing since 11:20 AM yesterday (Wednesday 6th December 2023). A Special Forces team was inserted into the area and arrived at the crash site, located in Essequibo county, about thirty (30) miles East of the border with Venezuela, at approximately 2:30 PM this afternoon.
The team's mission was to extract the seven (7) persons onboard, namely Brigadier (Ret'd) Gary Beaton, Colonel Michael Shahoud, Lieutenant Colonel Sean Welcome, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Charles, Lieutenant Andio Crawford, Staff Sergeant Jason Khan, and Corporal Dwayne Jackson. Lieutenant Colonel Michael Charles was a veteran helicopter pilot of forty (40) years. However, at around 2:47 PM today, the team reported that there were only two (2) survivors: Lieutenant Andio Crawford and Corporal Wayne Jackson.
In a Media Release, the GDF said, “The Chief of Staff, Officers and Ranks of the Guyana Defence extends sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of those who perished. The Guyana Defence Force is committed to providing unwavering support to these families during this unprecedented and challenging period of mouning. These Officers have served and given excellent service in the defence of our country and will be duly recognized.”
The Bell 412 helicopter, bearing registration marking 8R-AYA, allegedly went down in bad weather on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the President of Guyana, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, issued a statement today, confirming the five (5) deaths. According to Dr. Ali, “My heart pains and drowns in sorrow at the tragic loss of some of our finest men in uniform. The scale of this loss to the families, our country, the GDF and to me personally is immeasurable. My trusted friends and comrades, my brothers how could this be? You loved your country above and beyond everything. Country and service were all that matter to you. I observe with so much honor, the pride you took in putting on your uniform. We became a family bonded in service and brotherhood. I have experienced the love of all of you and it is ripping me apart.” The President added, “My bothers, I embrace your families as mine and will do as much as I can to represent all of you in service to country and family. On kneeling knees, I lift all of you and your families up in prayers and faith. I call upon all of us to hold these men, their families, the GDF and our country in our prayers. Rest in Peace my trusted friends. So many plans we had together. How could this be?” The statement concluded by saying, “Rest in eternal peace Brigadier Gary Beaton- Project Engineer, GOG; Colonel Michael Shahoud- Commander 1st Infantry Battalion; Lt Col Michael Charles- Pilot; Lieutenant Colonel Sean Welcome- Commanding Officer Reserve Battalion and Staff Sergeant Jason Khan- 31 Special Forces Squadron — you were among the finest we will ever have. I wish I was waiting for all of you to come home. With all my love until we meet again.” Investigations are continuing into the crash. More on this as it becomes available. [Source: CNC3] We are a small operation. If you've found our articles to be informative, please consider supporting us via PayPal or buying us a coffee. Your contribution is incredibly appreciated and goes a long way. Simply sharing our articles also helps us. Sign up for our free WhatsApp Alerts to be notified as soon as we post breaking news. NEW! Check out our Merchandise Store for high-quality t-shirts, hats and more!
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