CGX, ASL analysing data gathered from aerial search

BY ERICA WILLIAMS

Co-Chairman of CGX Oil Company, Dr Suresh Narine said that the firm has already handed over some data gathered from its aerial search for the missing Air Services Limited plane and is hoping that very soon the crew and the aircraft could be located.

A CGX contracted plane that was in Guyana on oil exploration operations joined the search on Saturday. The aircraft is equipped with a magnetic reader, which will greatly aid in the search. It has been close to two weeks since the aircraft disappeared in the Mahdia, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) area. Narine said the company’s focus is on ensuring that the missing aircraft with two persons on board is found.

Speaking with Guyana Times International on Tuesday, Narine said he is unable to give specifics as it relates to the duration for the company’s involvement in the search of the missing plane. At present, the aircraft is assisting the team of investigators and search parties with gathering information that may lead to the rescue of the Pilot Nicky Persaud and loader David Bisnauth. He further disclosed that data gathered from the search is being analysed by the aviation authorities. Following the analysis of data, it is the hope that there will be clues that will lead to the rescue of the two persons. “We are in the process of accessing data to see if there is anything, if there is something we can pick up on,” Narine said. The Co-Chairman added that his company takes pleasure in being part of such an effort, “I can’t imagine what it would be like to be stuck in such rough terrain.”

At the moment, the search team involves the Canadian aircraft attached to CGX, three teams from Timehri (who were flown in on Saturday last to join the search party), members of the Guyana Forestry Commission and the Guyana Defence Force, and eight line cutters from St Cuthbert’s Mission.

Director of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Zulficar Mohammed said that the search is being continued on the ground and aerially and reiterated that the use of information gathered determines the next move. It was previously reported that the Canadian aircraft being used in the search is contracted to CGX for oil exploration activities, nevertheless, Narine declined to disclose the amount of monies invested in the search by CGX thus far. GCAA had said that the aircraft is a much needed resource in the search, since it is equipped with a magnetic reader. In addition to this aircraft, the aerial examination consists of two helicopters which are supported by two fix wing aircraft. The search is being carried out in the area of high interest, as well as along the pre-determined grids which were prepared by the Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC), Timehri Control Tower.

On Sunday, December 28, 2014, the Timehri Control Tower lost communication with the Britten Norman Islander that was flying between Mahdia and Karisparu, Region Eight. Based on records, the aircraft took off from Mahdia about 11:42h on a routine local cargo flight and the last known position was marked by “Spot Tracker” at 11:44h. At 16:20h, Timehri Air Traffic Control Tower made contact with the aircraft operator to establish whether the aircraft had landed before implementing a search and rescue operation. After no information was received, Air Traffic Control commenced an ‘Alert Phase’ and RCC at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport was activated.

Moments after the aircraft was reported missing, two ASL Cessna 208 Caravans flying within the area were vectored to commence a search operation and were later joined by three Belle helicopters. After the first few days with no success, the RCC contacted Surinamese aviation experts, as well as those from the United States Mission Coordination Centre.

As the search intensified, Suriname provided an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) to zero in on or enhance any signal from the wreckage site. The RCC had plotted a grid with the most probable flight path of the aircraft and where it was most likely to have flown and determined the overall area of interest for possible crash sites.

This grid is being flown systematically to ensure coverage of the entire area. To date, systematic flyovers have been carried out, but, all have proven futile. The family members of Persaud and Bisnauth have joined the search party in the hope of finding their loved ones.