By Gabriela Baron
Members of the search and rescue operations are using Sound Navigation and Ranging (SONAR) equipment to find the missing medical chopper “yellow bee.”
SONAR equipment detect and determine the distance and direction of underwater objects through sounds.
Coast Guard Station South Western Palawan (CGSSWP) deployed the equipment off Palawan waters on March 17, the suspected crash site of “yellow bee.”
CGSSWP, however, reported that SONAR equipment used “was unable to read imaging data due to strong underwater currents and unfavorable sea conditions.”
“Yellow bee” reportedly crashed in the vicinity waters between Brooke’s Point and Balabac Palawan on March 1.
The medical chopper was carrying five individuals, including a patient and a nurse.
A possible debris was earlier sighted by Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Malabrigo, as well as a pillow owned by the patient and a pair of shoes belonging to nurse Janelle Alder.
Philippine Adventist Medical Aviation Services’ medical chopper provides free air medical aviation services to vulnerable groups, including Indigenous Peoples, in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas. – cf
READ MORE: Medical chopper reportedly crashes in Palawan waters
