Turkey conveys condolences to Chile over aircraft crash

By Sena Guler

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey conveyed condolences on Friday to South American country Chile over deadly military aircraft crash into the ocean.

“We are deeply saddened by the news that a Chilean Armed Forces military aircraft crashed into the ocean on December 9, 2019, after taking off from southern territories and bound to Antarctica,” the Foreign Ministry said in a written statement.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the relatives of those who lost their lives in this tragic accident, as well as to the Government and people of Chile,” it added.

Chile's Air Force chief confirmed the wreckage of an Antarctica destined lost plane with 38 people, 17 crew members and 21 passengers, on board was found Thursday.

The wreckage was found in the middle of Drake Passage which links Cape Horn, Chile and the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica -- at a depth of 2,5 miles (4 kilometers), according to the Chilean Air Force's Twitter account.

Debris was found 500 kilometers (311 miles) off Tierra del Fuego, Chile, according to an earlier statement by the air force.

On Tuesday, the air force declared the C-130 Hercules plane crashed after losing radio contact for more than seven hours.

The plane was traveling to Antarctica to help maintain facilities at Base Presidente Eduardo Frei Montalva, a Chilean base on the northern part of the continent, according to a statement.