RAN Sea King Crash in Indonesia
Australian chopper crashes in Indonesia
21:35 AEDT Sat Apr 2 2005
An Australian Navy helicopter carrying 11 personnel has crashed in Indonesia, the Department of Defence said.
In a statement, Defence said the Navy Sea King helicopter crashed near Gunung Sitoli on Nias Island, off the west coast of Sumatra, about 7.30pm (AEST) Saturday.
The helicopter, from HMAS Kanimbla, was conducting a sortie in a support of the second phase of Operation Sumatra Assist, the Australian Defence Force's contribution to the earthquake relief effort.
Up to 11 people, including the helicopter's crew of three, were on board, the department said.
HMAS Kanimbla was steaming towards the vicinity of the crash site.
A Defence spokesman said it was not known whether anyone on board the chopper was killed.
The department was endeavouring to find out details of the crash.
"What we're hoping to do is get updates as soon as we can get the appropriate information," the spokesman said.
Radio 2UE quoted Indonesian authorities as reporting a helicopter crash that has claimed six lives.
It quoted unconfirmed reports that the helicopter was carrying medical evacuees and had a crew of three when it crashed.
Last edited by straitman; 2nd Apr 2005 at 11:55.