Search and rescue forces found the 2 black boxes of the missing rescue aircraft CASA 212 at a depth of between 50-60 metres under the sea level, 26 nautical miles south-southeast of Bach Long Vi Island of Hai Phong City on June 27.

Two more bodies, identified as crewmembers of the crashed aircraft, were also found at the area on the same day.

Relevant agencies are working closely together to decode the boxes and identify the bodies.

A black box of CASA 212 (Source: VNA)

On June 16, the CASA 212 with 9 crewmembers on board was dispatched after rescue units received a help signal believed to be from Senior Lieutenant Colonel Tran Quang Khai who was the missing pilot aboard fighter jet SU30-MK2 that went down during a training session two days earlier.

After passing Bach Long Vy island district in the Tonkin Gulf by 44 nautical miles, the plane asked for permission to descend but contact was then lost.

After 11 days of searching, the SU30 MK2 was located at 25 nautical miles to northeast of Cua Van, Nghe An Province, while the CASA 212 was located at 15 nautical miles south-southeast of Bach Long Vi island.

Pilot Nguyen Huu Cuong was rescued and is receiving treatment, with his health getting better.  The body of pilot Tran Quang Khai was found and brought to the mainland and a solemn funeral ceremony was held for the deceased.

The search and rescue forces have found some debris of the aircrafts and they are still searching for the remaining parts.

The General Staff of the Viet Nam People’s Army is responsible for directing forces to continue the search and recovery of the dead crew members and remaining parts of the 2 aircraft while ensuring absolute safety for the search and rescue teams, especially given recent bad weather patterns.

The General Political Department was urged to ensure social welfares for the family members of the deceased.

After completing the recovery of the remaining parts of the 2 aircraft, the technical agencies will analyse the data and find the causes of the accidents, said the Ministry of National Defence.

(Source: VNA)