The search for the missing helicopter with seven on board in Sarawak's Bario highlands entered its seventh days today with search and rescue operations being narrowed to 15 different zones between Bario and Ba'Kelalan.

According to Bernama , the air and ground search have been intensified in the most probable location - a triangle area between Gunung Murud, Long Rapung and Pa'Lungan - with 16 aircraft being deployed and over 1,000 people involved on the ground.

The rescuers have been equipped with the satellite Global Positioning System (GPS) to enable them to seek out the missing seven.

Also included in the operations are international and local experts in satellite and mapping technology, satellite imagery interpretation and those with very intimate knowledge of the area.

"The operations are very sophisticated, massive and challenging," said Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan.

Last Monday, a Bell 206 Long Ranger helicopter went missing at 12.30pm after leaving Bario in Miri for Ba Kelalan in Limbang Division. Among the seven on board was Assistant Minister Dr Judson Sakai Tagal.

Bernama also reported that the lack of communication facilities at the base of search and rescue operations in Bario are also hampering efforts to locate the missing persons.

Tough order

Meanwhile Chan also said that "adding to the woes, the area is extensively covered by thick virgin forest to the detriment of ground search."

He said that the dense forest canopy of the pristine, untouched and uninhabited area rendered the place not easily accessible.

He explained that 16 fixed wing aircraft and helicopters were deployed in the aerial search.

On the performance of the high technology US PC Orient Maritime Patrol aircraft, he said it flew one sortie to Bario on Friday.

The aircraft, fitted with sophisticated air search and rescue equipment, the Forward Looking Infra Red (Flir), flew its second sortie between 3.30 pm and 6.45 pm on Saturday and would make available information gathered today.

Chan said it was also very challenging bringing in enough aircraft fuel, food and equipment in order to expedite the operations.