THE Wessex helicopter which ditched yesterday will not be replaced if it cannot be made flightworthy again, according to the head of Hong Kong's Royal Air Force 28 Squadron.
The number of Wessex helicopters based at RAF Sek Kong is set to be cut from eight to six by the end of next year, and the crashed machine was one of those earmarked for possible return to Britain.
Squadron Leader Steve Murkin said the potential loss of the aircraft would not affect the military and emergency support capabilities of 28 Squadron.
The RAF and at least some of their Wessex helicopters will remain in Hong Kong until 1997 but the timing of the withdrawal has not yet been finalised.
Squadron Leader Murkin, speaking when the ditched Wessex was still afloat, said it was too early to predict whether the helicopter could be repaired.
But as it has now sunk, it is believed that there will be too much damage and corrosion to the helicopter for it to be made operational.