A Eurocopter EC 120 helicopter belonging to Sebiro Holdings, which was flying en route to Nanga Merit from Kuching International Airport (KIA), was reported to have crashed near the Lingga estuary, Sri Aman today.

Sarawak police commisioner Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani, who confirmed the incident to Bernama , said the German pilot identified as Rico Steger, 35, was rescued by local fishermen while the fate of the three missing passengers was still unknown.

According to the Civil Aviation Department the aircraft had taken off at 8.57am with the passengers, said to have included the company’s engineer and two consultants, to assess a project in Nanga Merit near Kapit.

Steger, who had swum for four hours near the river estuary, was later brought to Kampung Tebelu, Sebuyau for medical treatment.    

Marine Police and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency have launched a search and rescue mission for the missing three passengers.

- Bernama