The Guyana Defence Force says it is working on a Search and Rescue mission to locate one of its helicopters which went missing after departing a base camp earlier today. Three crew members and four passengers were onboard.

The Defence Force says the aircraft transmitted an Emergency Locator Transmitter signal from coordinates on the western borders two hours after departure.

The rescue operation is however impacted by adverse weather conditions in the area.

The incident comes amid escalating tension between Guyana and Venezuela over the latter’s fight to claim Guyana’s Essequibo region as its own.

On Wednesday, Guyanese President Dr. Irfaan Ali said his country will take every necessary step to protect itself from Venezuela, after the Nicolas Maduro government ordered its state-owned companies to explore and exploit oil and minerals in Guyana’s vast Essequibo region.

When asked if he has requested outside military assistance, President Ali today said his government is reaching out to allies and regional partners, some of which Guyana has defense agreements with.

“Should Venezuela proceed to act in this reckless and adventurous manner, the region will have to respond,” he said.

See the GDF’s full statement below on the missing aircraft:

“The Guyana Defence Force, in collaboration with private sector aircraft operators, has initiated a Search and Rescue operation to locate a missing GDF Bell 412 Helicopter (8R-AYA). The helicopter departed Base Camp Ayanganna at 09:23 hours today for Arau, carrying three (3) crew members and four (4) passengers.

The aircraft transmitted an Emergency Locator Transmitter signal at 11:20 hours, from coordinates approximately 30 miles east of Arau on our western borders. The ongoing search and rescue operation is impacted by adverse weather conditions in the area.

Further information will be provided as soon as they are made available.”