Screengrab from https://www.straitstimes.com
SINGAPORE – Singapore’s military planes and vessels are on standby to help with the search-and-rescue operation for the missing AirAsia Indonesia flight QZ8501.
Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen wrote on his Facebook page on Sunday that the Air Force’s C130s and Navy ships are on standby.
He added that he had spoken to Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu: “Offered our thoughts and prayers for passengers and crew of AirAsia flight QZ8501. I told him that our SAF planes and ships were already on standby. If he needed their services or any other assistance, the SAF is ready to help. DM Ryamizard thanked me for Singapore’s concern.”
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong also wrote on his Facebook page on Sunday: “Sorry to learn that an AirAsia aircraft from Surabaya to Singapore has gone missing. We don’t have many details yet, but have offered our help to the Indonesian authorities. Our thoughts are with the passengers and their families.”
The plane was traveling from Surabaya to Singapore on Sunday morning. It has 162 passengers and crew members.
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