Missing EC-145 Helicopter: Kosanov Meets Families at Search Site, Pledges Continued Operation

The search for the missing EC-145 helicopter and its crew has been ongoing since June 25, Orda.kz reports.

On July 30, Minister of Defense Dauren Kosanov visited the search site and met with the families of the missing crew members:

We will see this through, search as long as necessary. Relatives and friends are provided with comprehensive support, we are in touch every day and do everything possible to establish the causes of the tragedy and find the missing children,
 the Minister said during the meeting.

Air Force Commander Askar Izbasov noted that the search operation is being hindered by poor visibility, challenging underwater terrain, and significant silt accumulation at the bottom of Lake Sorbulaq.

According to the Ministry of Defense, over 400 personnel are involved in the operation, along with canine teams, more than 70 units of ground equipment, 21 watercraft, 10 drones, echo sounders, and underwater scanning systems.

The EC-145 helicopter, operated by the Air Defense Force, went off radar on July 25.

So far, only suspected fragments of the aircraft have been discovered.

Original Author: Igor Ulitin