Missing helicopter in Kruger National Park found, crew safe

Authorities have confirmed on Tuesday that a helicopter reported missing during an anti-poaching operation in the Kruger National Park has been found, with all four crew members safe.

The aircraft, which lost contact on Monday morning, was carrying two investigators from the South African Police Service, a SANParks environmental crime officer, and a private pilot. The team had been deployed to assist with a crime scene investigation following the discovery of rhino carcasses.

According to preliminary reports, the helicopter landed in a densely vegetated area to allow investigators to conduct on-the-ground assessments. During the operation, the team became disoriented in the thick bush, while the helicopter’s GPS device reportedly ran out of battery, making it difficult to relocate the aircraft.

Search and rescue teams, supported by aerial and ground units using advanced technology, managed to re-establish contact with the crew on Tuesday morning.