A desperate search is underway in Indonesia’s dense Borneo forests for a missing Airbus BK117 D-3 helicopter, which vanished Monday with eight people on board, including an Indian, an American, and a Brazilian. The Eastindo Air helicopter lost contact with air traffic control just eight minutes after departing Kotabaru airport in South Kalimantan, en route to Palangkaraya City in Central Kalimantan.

The disappearance has sparked a massive rescue operation, with 140 personnel from the police, military, local agencies, and residents scouring a 27-square-kilometer area of rugged forest in Mantewe, Tanahbumbu district. Two helicopters are aiding the effort, taking turns to sweep the challenging terrain, said I Putu Sudayana, head of the Banjarmasin Search and Rescue Agency. “We are working tirelessly, and with the support of prayers, we hope to locate the aircraft and its passengers soon,” Sudayana added.

The missing helicopter, carrying a mix of foreign and local passengers, has raised concerns due to the dense jungle and unpredictable weather conditions complicating the search. Authorities have yet to confirm the cause of the disappearance, with possibilities ranging from mechanical failure to adverse weather. The operation continues with urgency as teams race against time to find any trace of the aircraft or survivors.

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Local communities have joined the effort, providing critical knowledge of the terrain, while advanced aerial support enhances the search. The incident has drawn international attention, with families of the passengers anxiously awaiting updates. As the search intensifies, hopes remain high for a breakthrough in locating the missing helicopter and ensuring the safety of those on board.

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