Government Flying Service staff helped Mainland authorities rescue 78 earthquake victims in Sichuan between May 20 and 22, its Controller Michael Chan says, adding the team's next task is to provide assistance in quarantine work.

A GFS Super Puma helicopter left for Sichuan today to provide assistance in rescue and quarantine work. Permanent Secretary for Security Chang King-yiu encouraged the crew before their departure.

Rescue effort: Permanent Secretary for Security Chang King-yiu and Government Flying Services Controller Michael Chan encourage the GFS crews before their departure for Sichuan. The GFS staff join their Mainland counterparts to rescue victims. (3rd photo credit: people.com.cn)

A Jetstream-41 fixed-wing aircraft, carrying equipment and materials for the helicopter's operation, has also left for Sichuan.

Government Flying Service officers already in Sichuan will take over the helicopter upon its arrival. The helicopter-delivery crew and the fixed-wing aircraft crew will return to Hong Kong, while an aircraft engineer and an aircraft technician will join the team in Sichuan.

Mr Chan said a total of seven GFS staff are now working in the province, including two pilots, two aircrewman officers, two aircraft engineers, and one aircraft technician.

The team arrived in Sichuan last week and is stationed at a civil aviation training school in Guanghan city. It worked closely with the Ministry of Transport's China Rescue & Salvage Bureau to conduct rescue operations in hilly areas.

It rescued 14 stranded people on May 20, saved 31 on May 21, and 33 on May 22.

Quarantine assistance

Mr Chan said the GFS Super Puma helicopter will help Mainland authorities in rescue operations.

The team will continue its rescue work in the hilly areas and its next task is to provide assistance in quarantine work. They have borrowed special equipment from the Marine Department to spray disinfectant onto affected villages. The equipment is normally used to tackle oil pollution in the sea. The team will inspect the environment first and spray disinfectant when circumstances allow.

The team members' spirits are high and their health is good, the Controller said, adding they have been reminded to pay special attention to their personal condition.

If required, more officers will be sent to replace them, he added.