Five soldiers have perished in a helicopter crash in the mountains of the Mazaruni area in Guyana.

The Bell 412 helicopter went missing yesterday with seven persons on board.

According to a statement by the Guyana Defence Force, the two surviving persons are Lieutenant Andio Crawford and Corporal Dwayne Jackson.

The soldiers that perished were named as Colonel Michael Shahoud, Retired Brigadier Gary Beaton, Lieutenant Colonel Sean Welcome, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Charles, and Staff Sergeant Jason Khan.

The GDF says two search and rescue-capable helicopters provided by Omni made three attempts to extract those at the crash site, with priority given to the two survivors.

It adds however that these efforts have been thwarted by persistent severe weather.

A rescue team that includes medical personnel, remains at the site, providing the necessary support.

The GDF adds that the rescue and recovery operation will resume at the earliest opportunity tomorrow.

(Feature Photo: Guyana Defence Force)