A Beriyev Be-200ChS jet has been sent from Krasnoyarsk to Vladivostok to assist in search for Vostok vessel. This is the 4th aircraft unit, involved into search and rescue operation. Currently, A Mil Mi-8 helicopter provided by the Russian Defense Ministry, Mil Mi-8 helicopter and Beriyev Be-200ChS jet of Khabarovsk Aircraft and Rescue Center of the Russian Emergencies Ministry are carrying out aerial reconnaissance of the area.
“We are trying to use our aircraft at its limits. Beriyev Be-200ChS, which is mostly used to fight wildfires, may be efficiently used in search operations over bodies of water. The plane is capable of landing on water, providing immediate aid to the affected, while instruments on board of the plane provide good reconnaissance”, said the Deputy Head of Siberian Rescue Center Andrei Gruzdov.
As of now, the weather is unfavorable for rescue, air temperature is -15 degrees C, wind gusts up to 17 m/s, wave height is about 4-6 meters, and visibility is about 300 meters. Naval rescue forces are also involved into search operations. Passing-by vessels are being informed about the accident.
According to the Vladivostok Naval Rescue Coordination Center, a distress buoy signal of a fishing vessel with 21 people on board has been detected in the morning on 25 January. Communications with the crew has not been yet established.