RESCUERS are experiencing difficulties in conducting retrieval operations of the bodies of the four passengers of the crashed Cessna airplane due to thick clouds and dangerous terrain, a local official said.
In a radio interview, Camalig, Albay Mayor Carlos Irwin Baldo said retrieval operations are unlikely to be completed by Friday, February 24, 2023.
He said rescuers had to set up anchor vaults and ropes to ensure their safety.
“Hindi po kakayanin ngayong araw kasi kahit kahapon, kahit maganda yung panahon dito, nako-coveran ng makapal na ulap yung Mayon. Hindi po makagalaw yung retriever natin doon sa taas,” Baldo said.
“Kapag ginagalaw nila nang kaunti yung bangkay nagdadausdos pababa 'yung mga rocks doon kaya delikado po sa mga rescuers po natin,” he added.
(We can't do it today because even yesterday, even though the weather was good here, Mayon was covered by thick clouds. Our retriever cannot move up there.)
The Cessna 340A with tail number RP-C2080 went missing on Saturday, February 18, while en route to Manila.
The wreckage was found within the permanent danger zone of the Mayon Volcano.
The fatalities were identified as Captain James Crisostomo, the pilot and an Energy Development Corporation employee; Joel Martin, also an employee of the company; Simon Chipperfield, advisor; and Karthi Santhanam, a consultant. (SunStar Philippines)