KUALA LUMPUR: A recent social media posting of the Royal Malaysian Navy 503 Squadron has tugged at heartstrings as it became a poignant memory following today's helicopter crash.
In a post on April 19, five crewmen from the squadron were shown giving a wave to their comrades aboard two AW139 Maritime Operations Helicopters (HOM) when departing from their base in Kota Kinabalu to Lumut, Perak, where they were to take part in rehearsals for the now-cancelled 90th Royal Malaysian Navy Day.
"A meaningful wave from some of the remaining crew, perhaps they can always return home early next time? Who knows, the admin still hopes for the best," read the post, seemingly reflecting on the incident today.
The squadron had despatched two helicopters involving nine crew and 11 technicians.
The team was led by squadron commanding officer, Commander Muhammad Firdaus Ramli, who also served as one of the pilots.
Earlier today, one of the squadron helicopters was involved in a mid-air collision with another RMN helicopter, a Fennec AS 555 from the 502 Squadron, in Lumut.
All 10 crewmen in both helicopters perished, including the two squadron's commanding officers who were on board.