Porbandar: In the ICG ALH helicopter crash the search for one missing aircrew is in progress. The average depth in area is 55 mtrs. Indian Navy clearance diving team along with specialized vessels are assisting in Search and Rescue operations. The injured crew ex-Motor Tanker Hari Leela was also rescued by ICG ship.
Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) which saved 67 lives during recent cyclonic weather in Gujarat was launched or medical evacuation of a seriously injured crew onboard Indian Flagged Motor Tanker Hari Leela, about 45 kms from Porbandar into the sea, in response to a request received from the Master of the vessel.
ICG ALH helicopter with four aircrew onboard, during the said operation reportedly was forced to make an emergency landing at sea on September 3. One crew has been recovered and search for the remaining was underway
The ICG ALH helicopter crash wreckage had been located. The incident happened whilst the helicopter was approaching the vessel for the evacuation. ICG had pressed four ships, and two aircraft for search operation said the Indian Coast Guard.
Out of the three missing crew members, the bodies of two of them, Commandant Vipin Babu and P/NVK Karan Singh, have been recovered. Search operations for Commandant Rakesh Kumar Rana are still underway said the Porbandar Coast Guard DIG Pankaj Agarwal.