Search and rescue work was enhanced on June 19 in searching for nine missing crewmembers onboard the CASA-212 military aircraft, according to the Ministry of Defence.

Efforts have been strengthened in the search for nine missing crewmembers onboard CASA-212.

However, due to bad weather in search areas, which affected the efficiency of search efforts, the ministry requested close co-ordination among forces for effective search and rescue work, while ensuring safety for rescue forces in the poor weather conditions.

The CASA-212 aircraft was on a search mission for fighter jet SU30-MK2 that went down during a training session on June 14. After passing Bach Long Vy Island district in the Tonkin Gulf by 44 nautical miles on June 16, the plane asked for permission to descend but contact was then cut.

Debris and various objects were found 20 nautical miles to the south-southeast of Bach Long Vy Island - three nautical miles to the delimitation line on the Tonkin Gulf. They have been determined by related agencies as those belonging to the CASA-212 aircraft.

The SU30-MK2 aircraft which was being flown by two pilots went missing at 6:50 am on June 14 during a training session in the area of Hon Mat Island, about 40km off the coast of the central province of Nghe An’s Vinh city.

One pilot was rescued by fishing boats and brought ashore safely. The body of the remaining missing pilot, Senior Lieutenant Colonel Tran Quang Khai, was found on June 17 near Hon Mat and retrieved on June 18.

The CASA-212 was dispatched after rescue units received a help signal believed to be from Khai.

* According to information from the Ministry of Defence, on June 18 the Defence Minister signed a decision promoting the rank of Khai from Senior Lieutenant Colonel to Colonel before schedule. Khai was deputy commander and chief general staff of Air Force Regiment 923, under Division 371 of the Air Defence-Air Force.

* On Sunday, Head of the General Political Department of the People's Army Senior Lieutenant General Luong Cuong visited and conveyed his condolences to Khai’s family members.

* The same day, in the city of Vinh, Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung and a delegation of the Government and Nghe An province also visited Khai’s family.

Sharing the loss with family members of the soldiers, the deputy PM stressed that the Party and State always appreciate the contribution and sacrifice of soldiers, including Colonel Tran Quang Khai. He affirmed that the government would do its best to continue searching for the missing soldiers and deal with consequences of the accidents.

Nhan Dan