Two more bodies of CASA 212 crewmembers found

On June 16, the CASA 212 with nine crewmembers on board was dispatched after rescue units received a help signal believed to be from Senior Lieutenant Colonel Tran Quang Khai who was the missing pilot aboard fighter jet SU30-MK2 that went down during a training session two days earlier. 

After passing Bach Long Vy island district in the Tonkin Gulf by 44 nautical miles, the plane asked for permission to descend but contact was then lost. 

After a dozen days of searching, the SU30 MK2 was located at 25 nautical miles to northeast of Cua Van, central Nghe An province, while the CASA 212 was located at 15 nautical miles south-southeast of Bach Long Vi island near northern Hai Phong city. 

The bodies of pilot Tran Quang Khai and several crewmembers of the CASA 212 were found and brought to the mainland. 

Relevant agencies are working closely together to decode the black boxes of the CASA 212 and identify the bodies. 

Defence Minister Ngo Xuan Lich said on June 28 that the priority is given to continuing the search and recovery of the dead crew members. 

The General Political Department was urged to ensure social welfares for the family members of the deceased.