Singapore Extends Further Assistance in Search for Missing Indonesia AirAsia Plane
29 December 2014, 7:15pm Singapore Time:- Earlier today, Indonesia accepted Singapore’s offer of two teams of specialists and two sets of underwater locator beacon detectors from the Singapore Ministry of Transport’s Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), to assist in locating the flight data recorders of the missing Indonesia AirAsia aircraft, QZ8501.
This afternoon, Singapore also offered additional equipment and personnel from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) to support the AAIB operations, including a sidescan sonar system and a robotic remotely-operated vehicle.
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) deployed two C-130 aircraft to continue the search and locate (SAL) operation today, with the first taking off at around 6.30am in the morning and the second around noon. The RSAF plans to fly two sorties tomorrow.
The Republic of Singapore Navy’s (RSN) Formidable-class frigate (RSS Supreme) and Missile corvette (RSS Valour) have arrived at the search area and commenced the SAL operation. A Landing ship tank (RSS Persistence) also sailed off this evening to join in the efforts.
The Indonesian Search and Rescue Agency, BASARNAS, has also accepted the Singapore Armed Forces’ offer of a Submarine support and rescue vessel (MV Swift Rescue). It is ready to set sail.
As search operations for missing Indonesia AirAsia flight QZ8501 continue into its second day, Singapore continues to provide support and assistance to the next-ofkin (NOKs) of passengers. This includes regular briefings by representatives of AirAsia, Changi Airport Group (CAG) and Singapore’s Ministry of Transport (photo below).
The NOKs have been supported by counsellors and care officers from the Ministry of Social and Family Development, and CAG, as well as staff from AirAsia and airport partners. While some NOKs have opted to remain at home and in their hotel, the care officers have continued to provide them with updates and assistance.
AirAsia had arranged for 16 NOKs to fly to Indonesia last night, and another 11 today.
Further updates will be provided once more information is available.
For any queries, please contact:
Ms Grace Soh
Assistant Director (Corporate Communications)
Tel: (65) 6375 7074
Mobile: (65) 9858 2161
Email: grace_soh@mot.gov.sg
Ms Cheryl Chong
Assistant Director (Corporate Communications)
Tel: (65) 6375 7875
Mobile: (65) 9618 6306
Email: cheryl_chong@mot.gov.sg
Ms Satwinder Kaur
Assistant Director (Corporate Communications)
Tel: (65) 6541 2912
Mobile: (65) 9621 1087
Email: satwinder_kaur@caas.gov.sg
Ms. Michelle Teo
Senior Manager, Corporate Communications
Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore
Tel: (65) 6541 2086
Mobile: (65) 9825 0982
Email: michelle_teo@caas.gov.sg