Written question asked by Robert Key (Conservative) on Friday, 27 November 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 9 December 1998. It was answered by Doug Henderson (Labour) on Wednesday, 9 December 1998 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assistance was offered by (a) Singapore rescue helicopters and (b) the Malaysian government, following the crash of a British military helicopter in the South China Sea off the east coast of Malaysia; and if he will make a statement. - (Holding answer 8 December 1998).

Answer: Mr. Key: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assistance was offered by (a) Singapore rescue helicopters and (b) the Malaysian Government, following the crash of a British military helicopter in the South China Sea off the east coast of Malaysia; and if he will make a statement. [62079] Mr. Doug Henderson: [holding answer 8 December 1998]: A Lynx helicopter, operating from HMS Grafton, crashed during a bilateral exercise with the Singapore Navy on 23 September this year. Following the crash, a Singaporean naval vessel rescued the pilot after he had spent about an hour in the sea. Other Singaporean ships and aircraft continued to search for the second crew member until the decision was taken to call off the rescue. Malaysia was not involved in the exercise and was therefore not in a position to offer immediate help. Two Malaysian ships did, however, offer assistance later; but by then the wreck of the helicopter had been located and so it was not necessary to accept the offer.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 62079; 322 c190-1W
Session: 1998-99
Subjects: Aviation Accidents Helicopters Navy Malaysia Military exercises Singapore Lynx helicopters HMS Grafton