Singapore Specialists and Assets Head to Indonesia to Assist in Search and Rescue Efforts
30 December 2014, 8:45pm Singapore Time:- Following the Indonesian authorities’ acceptance and activation of additional assistance offered by Singapore, the Singapore Ministry of Transport’s Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) specialists and their equipment will depart for the search area tomorrow morning, including the additional equipment and hydrography experts from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).
In addition to the two C-130 aircraft which continued to fly two sorties today, the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) deployed two Super Puma helicopters to the search area. The helicopters embarked on board the Republic of Singapore Navy’s (RSN) Landing ship tank (RSS Persistence).
RSS Persistence has arrived at the search area, which is about 700km South-east of Singapore and over 50 times its size. RSS Persistence joins the Formidable-class frigate (RSS Supreme) and Missile corvette (RSS Valour) in the operation. The Submarine support and rescue vessel (MV Swift Rescue) was deployed at 7pm.
To date, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has contributed two C-130 aircraft, two Super Puma helicopters and four navy ships.
Singapore has also offered to the Indonesian authorities, a disaster victim identification (DVI) team comprising officers from the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and the Health Sciences Authority (HSA), to help identify victims.
AirAsia has arranged for 13 next-of-kin (NOKs) to depart for Surabaya today. We will continue to provide the necessary assistance to the remaining NOKs who choose to remain in Singapore.
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