Lookout! – Issue 15
21 December 2009
Guidance notice – Issue 17:
Long-range identification and tracking (LRIT) equipment testing
21 December 2009
11 November 2005
The search for two men aboard a helicopter missing in the central North Island has been suspended, after an extensive search covering around 20,000 square kilometres over five and a half days.
Following a review of the entire search, the Director of Civil Aviation has endorsed the Rescue Coordination Centre NZ’s recommendation to suspend the search. Director of Civil Aviation, John Jones says the nature of suspending a search means that if RCCNZ gets any new and relevant information it can relaunch the operation. Director of Maritime NZ, Russell Kilvington, which operates RCCNZ, says the decision to recommend suspension had not been taken lightly, but all probable areas where the helicopter may have gone down have been covered.
“We must also accept that as each day has gone by it has become less likely we will find the men alive.
“Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the two men, with whom we have been in constant contact. It’s disheartening not to be able to find any sign of the men over so many days of searching such a wide area of land.
“We remain available to provide guidance and advice to the families who intend to continue searching privately, and we understand and support their reasons for doing so,” he said.
Mr Jones said: “Conducting a search of this size has been an enormous task, especially given the challenge posed by poor weather, scarcity of information and the size and rugged nature of the land.”
A tremendous number of people have been involved in this search and the RCCNZ thanks them for their time and effort, skills, commitment and willingness to help.
For further information contact:
RCCNZ Media Line
Phone 04 499 7318