Guyana’s Defence Force (GDF) helicopter transporting a seven-member crew went missing near the Venezuelan border, yesterday December 6th 2023. 

Reports have it that a Bell 412 Helicopter was reported missing around 9:23 am when it departed Base Camp Ayanganna for Arau on the western border of Venezuela when it lost contact with the relevant agencies.

There were seven servicemen on board namely Corporal Dwayne Jackson, Lieutenant Colonel Mike Charles, Sergeant Jason Khan, Lieutenant Colonel Andio Crawford, Lieutenant Colonel Sean Welcome, Colonel Michael Shahoud and retired Brigadier Gary Beaton. Only Jackson and Crawford survived the devastating crash. 

GDF started its search and rescue operation yesterday but had been impacted by adverse weather conditions in the area. A continuation of the search today led to the discovery of the crash site.