Copter with California pilot, Alaska nurse, 3 passengers missing near Palawan

Northern California native Daniel Lui, a missionary pilot, along with Janelle Alder, a nurse from Alaska and three other passengers disappeared near Palawan, Philippines two weeks ago while transporting a patient. ADVENTIST NEWS

A medical mission helicopter with five people aboard, including a pilot from Northern California, a nurse from Alaska and three others went missing March 1, while flying to a hospital in Palawan, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines) reported.

The helicopter was carrying Captain Daniel Lui, a volunteer pilot from Tehama County, California; Janelle Alder, a volunteer nurse from Alaska; Kayrun Nesa Sahibad, a patient, and his relatives, Nastru Sahibad and Sug Hamja, all from the Balabac municipality, according to Adventist News.

Lui and Adler were part of the Philippine Adventist Medical Aviation Services (PAMAS). Their helicopter was returning to Brooke’s Point when its GPS tracking device stopped sending signals at around 9:00 a.m.

Established in 2007, PAMAS provides a range of services, including medical evacuations, medical and dental services, and mountain literacy schools. FACEBOOK

Air and water search and rescue efforts by friends and relatives, the Philippine Coast Guard and Philippine Navy and PAMAS personnel have been ongoing since the day of the disappearance. Authorities are sending divers to probe the area where oil slicks were sighted.

In PAMAS officially thanked everyone involved in the search and have given donations fuel and other search logistics.

Captain Daniel Lui is a volunteer pilot from Tehama County, California. FACEBOOK

Established in 2007, the organization provides a range of services, including medical evacuations, medical and dental services, and mountain literacy schools.

It also offers aid during crises and natural disasters, delivering relief goods, medical teams, and supplies to affected areas.