The Guyana Defence Force has lost five of its experienced and decorated service men. Only two members of the ill fated helicopter survived the ordeal. The two who survived are the co-pilot Lt. Andio Crawford and crew member Dwayne Johnson.

The dead are

Brigadier Retired Gary Beaton

Col.(reserve) Michael Charles- who captained the chopper

Lt. Col Michael Shahoud

Lt. Col Sean Welcome

Staff Sergeant Jason Khan

The crashed helicopter was spotted on an escarpment close to Ekereku. It went missing yesterday after a refueling stop at Olive Creek. The Guyana Defence Force launched an immediate search and rescue operation for the men. The helicopter went down in bad weather and emitted an emergency locater signal about 30 miles east of Arau in the Essequibo. The GDF servicemen were on a command mission to the troops on the border location.