Chopper crashes into Manila Bay after delivering relief goods – Coast Guard

(Updated 1:19 p.m., Nov. 25) A private helicopter that brought relief goods for victims of super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) crashed into the waters off Bulacan province Sunday afternoon, but aviation authorities said the pilot and its lone passenger were safe.

 

The Philippine Coast Guard said the crash occurred some 18 nautical miles northwest of North Harbor, radio dzBB's Cecilia Villarosa reported.

 

Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said Monday that the chopper's pilot, Capt. James Eagle, and its lone passenger, Capt. Iren Dornier, were safe. Both Eagle and Dornier are German nationals.

 

The helicopter "encountered engine problem" when it was flying back to its home base in Pampanga after delivering relief goods to Caticlan in Aklan province, and crashed in Manila Bay near Obando in Bulacan, the CAAP also said.

 

The men were rescued by a US C-130 PAG-ASA 47 crew that responded to the distress signal the pilot sent, and the coast guard teams near the area.

 

The CAAP is still investigating the cause of the crash. — Rose-An Jessica Dioquino/JDS/KG, GMA News