Urgent search and rescue of Bell 505 plane crash in Ha Long Bay

The Prime Minister requested to find all measures and mobilize forces and means to urgently search and rescue as quickly and effectively as possible the crash of the Bell 505 helicopter (number VN-8650).

Photo caption — *Authorities mobilized vehicles and divers to search for the victims. Photo: VNA*

Organize to properly handle the consequences, promptly visit, encourage and support the families of the pilots and the victims, and implement policies for military victims according to regulations. On the evening of April 5, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang signed Official Dispatch No. 221/CD-TTg of the Prime Minister on the accident of the Bell 505 helicopter (number VN-8650) of the Northern Helicopter Company, Army Corps 18 in the coastal area bordering Gia Luan commune, Cat Hai district, Hai Phong city.

The telegram sent to the National Committee for Incident Response, Natural Disasters and Search and Rescue; the Ministers of National Defense, Public Security, Transport and the Chairmen of the People's Committees of Hai Phong and Quang Ninh provinces and cities stated: Regarding the accident of the Bell 505 helicopter (registration number VN-8650) of the Northern Helicopter Company, Army Corps 18 at about 17:06 on April 5 at coordinates 20051'55''N - 107001'31''E, in the sea area bordering Gia Luan commune, Cat Hai district, Hai Phong city (on the plane there were 5 people including Colonel - pilot Chu Quang Minh and 4 passengers, Vietnamese nationality), the Prime Minister requested: The Ministry of National Defense to preside over and coordinate with the Ministry of Public Security and relevant ministries, agencies and localities to focus on finding all measures and mobilizing forces and means to urgently search and rescue as quickly and effectively as possible. Organize to properly handle the consequences, promptly visit, encourage and support the families of the pilots and the victims, implement policies for military victims according to regulations. Investigate and clarify the cause of the incident, strictly handle violations (if any); review and inspect all procedures in command and flight operations, ensure aviation techniques, organize to learn from experience, immediately overcome limitations, ensure absolute safety for flights.

The National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response and Search and Rescue organizes and monitors search and rescue work, promptly coordinates and mobilizes forces and means to support the implementation of rescue work at the request of ministries and localities according to its authority, and reports to the Prime Minister for direction on handling issues beyond its authority.

The Chairmen of the People's Committees of Hai Phong and Quang Ninh provinces and cities shall proactively coordinate with the Ministry of National Defense to promptly and effectively carry out search and rescue work and overcome the consequences of the accident, promptly visit, encourage and support the families of the victims; notify ships and fishermen fishing in the area where the plane crashed to increase observation and coordinate search and rescue according to the direction of the National Committee for Incident Response, Natural Disasters and Search and Rescue. The Ministry of Transport is responsible for supporting people and vehicles, salvage and rescue equipment and necessary equipment as required by the National Committee for Incident Response, Natural Disasters and Search and Rescue to respond as quickly as possible to search and rescue work; coordinate with the Ministry of National Defense to ensure flight safety and aviation engineering.