Banjarmasin. Search and rescue (SAR) teams in Indonesia have temporarily halted efforts to locate a missing helicopter carrying eight people, including three foreign nationals, after poor visibility and heavy rain hampered operations on Tuesday night.

The helicopter, a BK117 operated by Estindo Air, lost contact on Monday just minutes after departing Syamsir Alam Airport in Kotabaru, South Kalimantan. It was en route to Palangka Raya in Central Kalimantan when air traffic controllers in Kotabaru, Banjarmasin, Balikpapan, and Palangka Raya were unable to re-establish communication. Its last known position was recorded over Tanah Bumbu, South Kalimantan.

Passengers included American national Mark Werren, Brazilian Claudine Quito, Indian Santha Kumar, and three Indonesians identified as Yudi Febrian, Andys Rissa Pasulu, and Iboy Irfan Rosa. The helicopter was piloted by Haryanto with technician Eng Hendra on board.

“Search operations have been suspended for the night due to poor weather conditions. Our personnel also need rest to ensure safety. The helicopter has not yet been located,” said Arianto, Head of Operations at Banjarmasin’s SAR office in Tanah Bumbu. Efforts will resume on Wednesday morning with both ground and aerial teams deployed.

The search involves police, military, and local volunteers. On Tuesday evening, heavy rain and fog blanketed the mountainous region believed to be the crash site.

According to I Putu Sudayana, Chief of the Banjarmasin SAR office, eyewitnesses -- including a schoolteacher and students -- reported seeing the helicopter flying unusually low while emitting white smoke before disappearing into the hills.

Authorities have yet to confirm whether the aircraft has crashed, but the accounts have heightened urgency as rescue teams prepare to resume operations at first light