Five Guyanese soldiers died and two survived in an accident during the journey. helicopter visit troops near the border with VenezuelaThe Defense Forces announced this on Thursday. Guyana.

The Bell 412 helicopter disappeared last Wednesday about 48 kilometers from the border with Venezuela. Their search was hampered on both Wednesday and Thursday due to bad weather..

Dead – Lieutenant Colonel Michael Charles, who piloted the plane; Colonel Michael Shahoodcommander of the first rifle battalion, lieutenant colonel. Sean Welcomeretired brigadier general Gary Beaton and Sergeant Jason Han.

The survivors, whose condition was not disclosed, are Lt. Col. Andio Crawford and Corporal Dwayne Jackson.

Guyanese President Irfaan Ali assured that “The magnitude of this loss is immeasurable.” for the country and for the Guyana Defense Force.

“My heart is aching and drowning in sadness at the tragic loss of some of our best people in uniform“He lamented in his statement.

On this day, the remains of a helicopter were spotted for the first time, as reported by search and rescue teams. “positive signs of life on site”This was stated in a statement by the Guyana Defense Force.

Specialized troops and equipment, including doctors, were deployed, but Inclement weather prevented troops from landing at the disaster site..

The cause of the tragedy has not yet been established.

According to authorities, the helicopter took off from the Ayanganna base in western Guyana at 09:23 local time on Wednesday. three crew members and four passengers.

However, at 11:20 local time (15:20 GMT), the ship sent an emergency warning to the Arau area in western Guyana.

Chief of Staff of the Defense Forces Omar Khan explained from the Ayanganna base that the helicopter landed at Olive Creek to refuel, but After takeoff the connection was lost.

The officer noted that the emergency alert supposedly suggested that the helicopter had crashed, fallen heavily, or could be changed manually by a crew member.

The accident coincided with escalating tensions between Guyana and Venezuela over territorial dispute they maintain over the Essequibo region.

The President of Guyana assured on 6 December that the Defense Force is “on high alert” and is in contact with his military counterparts from other countries, including the US Southern Command, in the face of the crisis in Venezuela. (EFE)