Rescue personnel working at the site of the crash. – Photo from Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat Malaysia/Facebook
KUCHING (April 23): Sarawakian Joanna Felicia Rohna, 24, is among the 10 Royal Malaysian Navy personnel killed in the helicopter tragedy involving two helicopters in Perak today.
The Malaysian Royal Navy (TLDM) Strategic Communications Branch said in a statement the victim was among the seven crew members of the HOM M503-3 helicopter that crashed during the incident.
Alongside Joanna on board the helicopter were Cmdr Muhammad Firdaus Ramli, Lt Cmdr Wan Razaudeen Kamal Wan Zainal Abidin, Second Warrant Officers Muhammad Faisol Tamadun and Noorfarahimi Mohd Saedy, and Petty Officer Noor Rahiza Anuar.
The other helicopter, a Fennec M502-6 consisted of Cmdr Muhamad Amir Mohamad, Lt Sivasutan Thanjappan and Second Warrant Officer Mohd Shahrizan Mohd Tarmizi.
Joanna is believed to be from Kampung Sumpas Tampek, Jalan Batu 11 in Serian, married and has two children.
It was also learnt here family members are currently on their way to Kuching.
Earlier today, the two TLDM helicopters collided mid-air and crashed over the naval base in Lumut, Perak while rehearsing the fly-past in conjunction with TLDM’s 90th anniversary scheduled early next month.
The HOM helicopter crashed in the Navy Stadium while the Fennec crashed near the pool of the Navy Sports Complex.
The bodies of the crash victims were brought to Ipoh Hospital in Perak for post-mortem.