WWF-India extends condolences to WWF-Nepal and families of the deceased
New Delhi: WWF-India is deeply saddened at the loss of life of many colleagues from WWF US, WWF-Nepal, WWF-UK and other passengers in Saturday’s helicopter crash in the mountainous far-east of Nepal.
The helicopter was on its way back from a trip to a conservation site at Ghunsa, in Kangchenjunga, in eastern Nepal near the border with India. It was due to land in Taplejung 20 minutes later but failed to arrive.
An air and land search was quickly begun, but was hampered by poor weather conditions, which reduced visibility, and the remote location.
The helicopter was returning from an inauguration ceremony which saw the Nepalese government turn over the conservation of the wildlife and habitats surrounding Kangchenjunga — the world's third-highest mountain — to a coalition of local communities.
The wreckage of the helicopter was found on Monday 1.8 kilometers (1.15 miles) from Ghunsa village. Rescuers had been looking for the crash site since the helicopter disappeared shortly after noon Nepal time (6.00 GMT) on Saturday.
It was found by a search team who had hiked in on foot. There were no survivors.
“WWF-India expresses its condolences for this tragedy and extends its ready support to WWF Nepal in this hour of need. We commend WWF Nepal in their brave handling of the crisis and extend our heartfelt condolences to the family members of the victims. They will continue to live in our hearts and minds forever.” Mr. Ravi Singh, Secretary General & CEO, WWF India said.
Seven WWF staff from its' offices in Nepal, the UK and the US, were on board, as well as high-ranking government officials, representatives of other agencies, journalists and Russian crew members. Their deaths will amount to the biggest single loss of life in WWF’s 45-year history.
Mr. Singh further adds, “Besides being eminent conservationists, the WWF personnel were also fellow colleagues and friends. Therefore the loss is very personal to us at WWF India. It is also a great loss for conservation, the area in which they dedicated their lives. We will miss them dearly."
WWF appreciates the efforts of the authorities and all the help of local communities in the search to find our colleagues and partners.
The helicopter was on its way back from a trip to a conservation site at Ghunsa, in Kangchenjunga, in eastern Nepal near the border with India. It was due to land in Taplejung 20 minutes later but failed to arrive.
An air and land search was quickly begun, but was hampered by poor weather conditions, which reduced visibility, and the remote location.
The helicopter was returning from an inauguration ceremony which saw the Nepalese government turn over the conservation of the wildlife and habitats surrounding Kangchenjunga — the world's third-highest mountain — to a coalition of local communities.
The wreckage of the helicopter was found on Monday 1.8 kilometers (1.15 miles) from Ghunsa village. Rescuers had been looking for the crash site since the helicopter disappeared shortly after noon Nepal time (6.00 GMT) on Saturday.
It was found by a search team who had hiked in on foot. There were no survivors.
“WWF-India expresses its condolences for this tragedy and extends its ready support to WWF Nepal in this hour of need. We commend WWF Nepal in their brave handling of the crisis and extend our heartfelt condolences to the family members of the victims. They will continue to live in our hearts and minds forever.” Mr. Ravi Singh, Secretary General & CEO, WWF India said.
Seven WWF staff from its' offices in Nepal, the UK and the US, were on board, as well as high-ranking government officials, representatives of other agencies, journalists and Russian crew members. Their deaths will amount to the biggest single loss of life in WWF’s 45-year history.
Mr. Singh further adds, “Besides being eminent conservationists, the WWF personnel were also fellow colleagues and friends. Therefore the loss is very personal to us at WWF India. It is also a great loss for conservation, the area in which they dedicated their lives. We will miss them dearly."
WWF appreciates the efforts of the authorities and all the help of local communities in the search to find our colleagues and partners.
Key Contact
Dilpreet B. Chhabra
(Communications Officer- TRAFFIC India)
WWF India,
New Delhi Main
T: +91 11 41504786
(Communications Officer- TRAFFIC India)
WWF India,
New Delhi Main
T: +91 11 41504786
