BREAKING: GDF helicopter with Pilot Mike Charles missing

Search and rescue teams and the Special Forces of Guyana have been dispatched to the Venezuelan border between Arau and Eteringbang in search of a Guyana Defence Force (GDF) helicopter that has been reported missing.

Senior government officials confirmed to the News Room that the GDF Bell 412 Helicopter (8R-AYA) is piloted by seasoned career army man, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Charles.

The News Room was reliably informed that the GDF was conducting a “border operation” in the area when officials lost contact with the crew in an area known as  Echerak River in Region Eight.

The incident has occurred following recent threats from the Nicolas Maduro-led government.

A subsequent press release from the GDF noted that the search is ongoing in collaboration with private sector aircraft operators.

The helicopter departed Base Camp Ayanganna at 09:23 hrs Wednesday for Arau, carrying three crew members and four passengers.

According to the GDF, the aircraft transmitted an Emergency Locator Transmitter signal at 11:20 hrs, from coordinates approximately 30 miles east of Arau on our western borders.

The ongoing search and rescue operation is impacted by adverse weather conditions in the area. Further information will be provided as soon as they are made available.