He requested a Black Hawk helicopter from the joint helicopter base in Kandahar, officers there were reluctant to send a helicopter because of the risk of further mines being present. When bomb-disposal officers told Tootal that it could take 12 hours to clear the mines, he decided to send a British Chinook to attempt a rescue. This helicopter was not equipped with a winch, so would have to touch down at least its two back wheels to pick the men up.
He requested a Black Hawk helicopter from the joint helicopter base in Kandahar, but the officers there were unwilling to send one because they feared additional mines might be present. When bomb-disposal experts informed Tootal that it would take 12 hours to clear the area, he decided to dispatch a British Chinook on a rescue mission. Since this helicopter lacked a winch, it had to land at least two of its rear wheels to lift the stranded men.