A helicopter pilot is missing presumed dead after his aircraft crashed into the sea off Australia’s Port Headland.
The marine transfer helicopter ditched into open water adjacent to the seaward end of Port Hedland channel, according to the Pilbara Ports Authority (PPA).
A second person was rescued from the water about one hour after the incident and was taken to South Hedland Hospital for medical treatment.
Agency company GAC said the helicopter ditched into the sea about 35km from the port en route to collect a pilot from a vessel.
“The EC-135 helicopter, which had two people on board, was on its way to the 170,000-dwt bulker Squireship (built 2010) to collect a marine pilot,” said the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).
“The marine pilot on board the Squireship witnessed the incident and immediately notified harbour control, which in turn advised AMSA.”
“AMSA is coordinating the rescue and search efforts, with assistance from Pilbara Ports Authority, Aviator Group, police, and Port Hedland Pilots,” PPA said.
Vessel movements at the world’s largest iron ore export facility were halted on Thursday after the helicopter crash incident.
“Following the incident, all in-bound shipping was halted immediately, and only limited out-board movements were permitted,” GAC said.
However, just before midday on Thursday, the Port Authority advised that normal shipping would resume at 15:00 hours local time.
On Friday AMSA said the search for the missing man would resume involving four vessels, seven helicopters and AMSA’s Challenger search and rescue jet.
AMSA said Friday’s search will cover an area more than 1,000 square km. It described weather conditions for the search as good, with clear visibility and calm seas.
Western Australia Police were said to be making arrangements for a sub-surface search for the wreckage of the helicopter.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau will investigate the incident.
