Indonesian rescuers find helicopter crash site on Borneo and recover 1 body so far

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — A rescue team on Wednesday reached the site of a helicopter crash on Borneo, recovering one body, authorities said. Seven people remain unaccounted for.

The discovery in the tropical island's forests came after three days of searching for the helicopter, which went down with eight people on board.

Rescuers recovered one body about 100 meters from the helicopter. Initial observations from the team indicate that more victims were still inside the aircraft.

But the exact number couldn't be confirmed because of worsening weather and the darkness, said Yudhi Bramantyo, operational director of the National Search and Rescue Agency.

“The condition of the helicopter is clearly burnt, so it will be necessary to dismantle the aircraft to confirm the number of victims inside,” Bramantyo said.

The Airbus BK117 D-3, owned by Eastindo Air, lost contact with air traffic control eight minutes after departing from the airport in Kotabaru district in Indonesia’s South Kalimantan province on Monday. The aircraft was on its way to Palangkaraya City in Central Kalimantan Province.

Three foreign nationals — an American, a Brazilian and an Indian — are among the eight people who were on board the helicopter.

More than 200 personnel from a joint team, including police, military, local agencies, residents and volunteers, were sent by land and air to comb a 27-square-kilometer (10-square-mile) stretch of forest in Mantewe, Tanahbumbu district.

The operation was supported by five helicopters, which took turns sweeping the area. The search has been hampered by bad weather.

Following Wednesday afternoon’s discovery, ground search teams have been redirected to the site to assist with recovery efforts.

In this photo released by Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS) on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, rescuers inspect the wreckage of a helicopter that crashed with passengers on board, in Tanah Bumbu, South Kalimantan, Indonesia. (BASARNAS via AP)

In this photo released by Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS) on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, a rescuer inspects the burnt out wreckage of a helicopter that crashed with passengers on board, in Tanah Bumbu, South Kalimantan, Indonesia. (BASARNAS via AP)

In this photo made from video released by Banjarmasin Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS Banjarmasin) on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, pilots control their aircraft during the search operation for a helicopter that went missing over the forests of Borneo with a number of people on board, near Kotabaru, South Kalimantan, Indonesia. (BASARNAS Banjarmasin via AP)

In this photo released by Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS) on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, rescuers inspect the wreckage of a helicopter that crashed with passengers on board, in Tanah Bumbu, South Kalimantan, Indonesia. (BASARNAS via AP)

WILMINGTON, Del.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mar 12, 2026--

The LYCRA Company will officially launch COOLMAX CloakFX™ fiber globally at Performance Days Munich, Europe’s leading functional fabric fair, March 18–19. This innovation is designed to help garments appear drier by minimizing visible sweat marks while delivering moisture management and cooling comfort.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260317950119/en/

COOLMAX CloakFX™ fiber is for brands, mills, and garment makers creating performance-driven activewear, workwear, and everyday apparel. The technology diffuses light at the fiber level using optical “masking” that reduces the visual appearance of moisture, helping to make sweat marks less noticeable. Because the technology is built into the durable fiber, its benefits last wear after wear and wash after wash.

“Visible sweat on apparel is the leading pain point for consumers across demographics, often forcing them to compromise between performance, comfort, and appearance,” said Tara Maurer-Mackay, product category director, branded specialty products, The LYCRA Company. “Consumers want one fabric that does it all, and COOLMAX CloakFX™ fiber helps garments look drier while keeping them cool and dry.”

In addition to sweat-masking performance, COOLMAX CloakFX™ fiber can provide higher UPF protection than conventional polyester fibers due to its unique structure and composition. Ninety-three percent of the polyester in this GRS-certified fiber is recycled, helping support sustainability goals without requiring changes to manufacturing processes.

Following extensive validation through the company’s innovation and testing processes, development of COOLMAX CloakFX™ fiber continues across knit, woven, and seamless applications. The innovation pipeline is also expanding into additional wearing occasions and select non-apparel markets, underscoring its broader potential.

The LYCRA Company will also be showcasing elastane fabrics and garments made with renewable LYCRA ® EcoMade fiber at the textile trade show. Made from 70 percent plant-based resources, this bio-derived solution reduces the carbon footprint of apparel while delivering the same trusted performance as traditional LYCRA ® fiber.

To see sample commercial fabrics developed by leading mills that feature COOLMAX CloakFX™ fiber, visit The LYCRA Company’s standC09-C10 at Performance Days Munich.

About The LYCRA Company

The LYCRA Company innovates and produces fiber and technology solutions for the apparel and personal care industries and owns the leading consumer brands: LYCRA ®, LYCRA HyFit ®, LYCRA ® T400 ®, COOLMAX ®, THERMOLITE ®, ELASPAN ®, SUPPLEX ® and TACTEL ®. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, U.S., The LYCRA Company is recognized worldwide for its sustainable products, technical expertise, and marketing support. The LYCRA Company focuses on adding value to its customers’ products by developing unique innovations designed to meet the consumer’s need for comfort and lasting performance. Learn more at thelycracompany.com.

COOLMAX CloakFX™ fiber, the latest innovation from The LYCRA Company, helps garments appear drier by minimizing visible sweat marks and delivering moisture-wicking, cooling performance. Photo credit: The LYCRA Company