The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) received a report that a helicopter had crashed into the water about 35 kilometres north of Port Hedland in Western Australia, and is currently conducting a search in that area.
The EC-135 helicopter, had two people onboard, was heading to the bulk carrier MV Squireship to collect a marine pilot.
The marine pilot on board the MV Squireship witnessed the incident and notified harbour control, which in turn advised AMSA. AMSA then detected a distress beacon from one of the helicopter’s crewmembers.
Four flares were also seen in the search area shortly after the crash. Late at night the same day a pilot vessel picked up one of the helicopter’s crew members who was injured but safe in a life raft. He was taken to Port Hedland Hospital.
Seven aircraft, including AMSA’s Challenger Search and Rescue jet, four tug boats, two pilot vessels and Volunteer Marine Rescue Port Hedland joined the search for the missing helicopter pilot.
While debris from the helicopter has been located, there have been no sightings of the missing pilot. Any debris located by members of the public should be reported to Western Australia Police immediately.
Western Australia Police (WA Police), Pilbara Ports Authority, Port Hedland Pilots, Vessel Traffic Services, Aviation Group and State Emergency Services volunteers have assisted during today’s search spanning 620 square kilometres.
Western Australia Police are making arrangements for a sub-surface search for the wreckage of the helicopter.
