Doha, Qatar: A Qatari helicopter crashed into the country’s regional waters early Sunday following a technical malfunction during a routine mission, the Ministry of Defense confirmed. The incident occurred at approximately 3:53am, prompting immediate concern over the safety of those on board.

According to the Ministry, search operations for the helicopter’s crew members and passengers are currently in progress. Authorities have not yet released details regarding the number of individuals on board or their condition.

In a follow-up statement, the Ministry of Interior (MoI) said specialized teams were swiftly deployed to carry out search and rescue operations in the territorial waters. The efforts are being conducted in close coordination between the Maritime Search and Rescue Team of the General Directorate of Coasts and Borders Security and the Qatar International Search and Rescue Group of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya).