Missing helicopter crew rescued in Kruger National Park after night in wilderness
Four missing after police helicopter disappears
Image: FILE
Four crew members aboard a helicopter that vanished in Kruger National Park during an investigation into an animal carcass have been found safe after spending a night in the bush.
The helicopter had made a safe landing in a remote area, but the crew — a pilot, two police investigators, and an environmental crime investigator — were unable to navigate their way out of the thick bush and spent the night in the wilderness. After fears for their safey, the crew were found safe and unharmed.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli said they were spotted by a SANParks search helicopter after they were seen waving for assistance on Tuesday morning.
"The group, which includes the pilot and two SAPS investigators, along with an Environmental Crime Investigator, had safely landed in a remote area on Monday, but as they attempted to navigate through thick bush, they could not," Mdhluli said.
"After spending the night in the bushes, they were spotted this morning by a search team using a helicopter from SANParks, as they waved for assistance.
"Following their rescue, it has been confirmed that all occupants are safe and in good condition."
Earlier, Mdhluli said attempts to reach the crew by radio and cellphone failed, and it was only by evening that authorities realised something had gone wrong.
"The chopper disappeared during an investigation after a report was brought to the attention of law enforcers that there was a carcass that was discovered hence the probe to find out circumstances thereof," Mdhluli said.
"The aircraft, which was on this routine operation, had a pilot and two SAPS investigators as well as an environmental crime investigator aboard.
"A report indicates that the team departed around 9am and did not return as anticipated."
Mdhluli said efforts to establish communication with the helicopter crew yielded no results due to poor signal.
"It is suspected that the chopper could have been flying low," Mdhluli said.
"All attempts to reach them via their mobile phones and other means were unsuccessful.
"It was only in the evening that it was realised something was wrong, prompting immediate action to locate them."
In response to the situation, another helicopter equipped with night vision capabilities, alongside drones, was deployed to assist in the search efforts.
"Unfortunately, due to poor weather conditions, the helicopter had to be withdrawn; however, the drones continued their search throughout the night," Mdhluli said.