Authorities have intensified search and rescue (SAR) efforts at the site of Thursday’s helicopter crash by doubling manpower from 505 to 1,010 personnel.
There have been no plans to end the mission, said Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Seri Muhammad Sabtu Osman, as the operation enters its fourth day.
So far, the bodies of five victims have been found with only the pilot, Captain Rudolf Rex Ragas, still missing.
The Star Online quotes Muhammad Sabtu as saying that Ragas’ body could still be trapped inside the wreckage.
“We believe the final body, the pilot, is still in the main wreckage of the helicopter as the safety belt worn by the pilot is stronger than others,” he said.
The mission involves team from the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department, police, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Civil Defence Department, and the military.
“We have started using sonar equipment from the Royal Navy and drones from the Civil Defence Department to assist our operations in searching for wreckage from the helicopter. We are also asking for help from the Fisheries Department to use trawl nets to pick up possible debris in the water.”
Earlier this morning, searchers discovered fresh debris, the portal reports, which include a seat and a Camel bag.
