The areas within the blue circle and red layout are being searched
Twenty-seven-year-old Captain Nicky Persaud and 51-year-old David Bisnauth were shuttling 1,722 pounds of construction equipment from Mahdia to Karisparu in the Potaro-Siparuni Region Eight, when minutes after take-off contact was lost with their twin-engine aircraft.
Currently, search efforts have been narrowed down to the end section of the route the pilot was expected to take. Search efforts are being conducted in areas of interest which would be along the Mahdia/Karisparu route.
According to the officials, search efforts have been restricted to the specified route as if the pilot had experienced no issues and remained on route. Should rescuers come up empty handed following the
Officials in the Rescue Coordination Centre during routine search efforts
completion of those searches, it is then that they will examine alternative areas in case the pilot may have experienced engine failure for example, and possibly sought other areas for a safe set down of the craft.
However, according to the officials, as many as nine reports were received pertaining to possible plane sightings. “Unfortunately, none of these searches yielded any results.” However, the current area being searched at Black Water-North Fork had been identified by at least two miners who reported seeing the plane flying in that area.
The terrain in the search locations is very extreme, with areas reaching heights of more than 3,500 feet, it was stated. However Guyana Defence Force (GDF) helicopters, ASL aircraft, helicopters and even mining agencies on the ground are taking part in search efforts.
As it relates to tracking devices, the Britten Norman Islander was carrying a spot tracker device, which gives off location hits every 10 minutes. The information is transmitted via satellite. However, this tracker is challenged by many factors, including rough terrain, especially mountainous regions such as the one where rescuers are working. The aircraft was also carrying a built-in emergency locator/transmitter in the aircraft. Transmitter signals can be received by other aircraft until the device’s battery is depleted.
Since the Islander lost communication with Air Traffic Controllers, no signal has been heard from the aircraft. The thick vegetation, mountainous terrain is posing an additional challenge to searchers. Added to those challenges, is the change in weather. With cloud cover and other unfavourable sporadic weather patterns, rescue efforts are being delayed.
The officials are adamant however, about continuing their searches. They say that it is too early now to cease search efforts. ASL’s Manager Annette Arjoon-Martins lauded the efforts of the Rescue Coordination Centre. She said that she was quite impressed with what has been taking place and the ability to coordinate the search efforts efficiently.
She said that the family of the pilot has been with the company from early in the week trying to keep abreast with what is taking place.
A sister of the cargo handler has since visited the ASL Hangar at Ogle International Airport to ascertain what is happening with her brother. Arjoon-Martins described the missing crew as part of the ASL family and said that all are hoping for the best. Bisnauth has four children, while Persuad is the father of one.
Among the rescue coordination team, is Transport Minister Robeson Benn, GCAA Director General Zulphicar Mohamed with other senior aviation officials.
Just after noon on Sunday, the Britten Norman Islander went missing. Search efforts commenced since then, but rescuers have turned up empty. The emergency plan was activated and several agencies went on board to find the missing plane and crew.
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