The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) suffered a tragic accident when an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) MK-III, frame number CG 863, crashed into the sea during a medical evacuation mission. The accident occurred on the night of September 2, when the helicopter took off at 11:15 pm to airlift a critically injured crew member from the motor tanker 'Hari Leela'.
Speed up search and rescue operations
After the accident, the Indian Coast Guard launched a massive search and rescue operation with the help of the Indian Navy and other maritime agencies. Two aircraft and four ships have been deployed in this search operation. In addition, a ship equipped with side-scan sonar technology is also expected to join the mission soon. This technology helps in detecting sunken objects by taking pictures of the sea floor. When
There were two pilots and two aircrew divers on board the helicopter when it crashed. One member has been rescued alive during the search operation, but unfortunately two other members have died. The deceased have been identified as Commandant (Junior Grade) Vipin Babu and Chief Seaman Karan Singh. Their remains have been recovered from the sea and they will be given a final farewell with military honors.
One pilot is still missing
The helicopter's pilot, Commandant Rakesh Kumar Rana (TM) at the time of the accident, is still missing and search operations are on to locate him. The Coast Guard has also sought help from the Gujarat Fisheries Department and local fishermen in the search. A board has been formed to investigate the cause of the accident. A team including the Indian Coast Guard has started investigating the entire matter.