DOHA, Qatar — The Qatar Ministry of Defence has confirmed the identities of victims who lost their lives in a helicopter crash in the country’s territorial waters, as search efforts continue for a missing crew member.
The announcement follows the earlier crash of a military helicopter during a routine operation, with authorities now providing further details on those aboard.
Okay News reports that the Ministry of Defence confirmed six fatalities, including personnel from the Qatar Armed Forces, a member of the Qatar–Turkey joint forces, and Turkish civilians.
According to the official statement, those confirmed dead include Captain (Pilot) Mubarak Salem Daway Al-Marri, Sergeant Fahad Hadi Ghanem Al-Khayarin, and Corporal Mohammed Maher Mohammed of the Qatar Armed Forces, as well as Major (Air Defense) Sinan Taştekin from the Qatar–Turkey Joint Forces.
Two Turkish civilian collaborators, Suleiman Cemra Kahraman and Ismail Anas Can, who were passengers on the helicopter, were also among the victims.
The ministry stated: “The Ministry of Defense of State of Qatar announces that, as part of search and rescue operations for the crew and passengers of the helicopter that crashed at dawn today, Sunday, in the State’s regional waters, the following have been confirmed martyred: Captain (Pilot) Mubarak Salem Daway Al-Marri, Sergeant Fahad Hadi Ghanem Al-khayarin, and Corporal Mohammed Maher Mohammed from Qatar Armed Forces, Major (Air Defense) Sinan Taştekin from Qatar – Turkey Joint Forces, and Suleiman Cemra Kahraman and Ismail Anas Can, Turkish civilian collaborators, passengers on the helicopter. The search operation for Captain (Pilot) Saeed Nasser Samekh, from Qatar Armed Forces, is still in progress.”
Authorities said search and rescue teams remain actively engaged in efforts to locate the missing pilot, Captain Saeed Nasser Samekh.
The Ministry of Defence also expressed sympathy to the families affected by the tragedy.
“The Ministry of Defense extends its sincere condolences to the families of the martyrs, praying to Allah Almighty to grant them His mercy.”
