Inp.polri.go.id - Jayapura. The joint search and rescue (SAR) operation to evacuate the victims of the plane crash involving PT Semuwa Aviasi Mandiri (SAM Air) continues. The Caracal HT-7201 helicopter remains deployed for the search efforts.

"Evacuation Team 2, led by Major PNB Arip, will be deployed to the same location where Team 1 operated yesterday," said Police Senior Superintendent Ignatius Benny Ady Prabowo, the Head of Public Relations Division of Papua Regional Police, on Monday (26/6/23).

In addition, the helicopter will attempt to hover above the crash site of the SAM Air plane. This strategic maneuver aims to provide the SAR team with a better vantage point to observe and assess the situation.

"The evacuation team comprises a total of 14 personnel, including seven Caracal crew members, three SAR National Agency (Basarnas) personnel, and four members from the Quick Reaction Forces Command (Kopasgat)," he revealed.

However, today's evacuation operations are still faced with challenges posed by the difficult terrain and unpredictable weather conditions, he added, which hinder the evacuation process for the victims of the SAM Air plane.

"The joint team is facing challenges due to the extremely rugged terrain and the ever-changing weather conditions, which have caused difficulties in conducting the evacuation," he concluded.

(ay/hn/um)