Search Ongoing for Missing Pilot After Coast Guard Helicopter Crash

More than 36 hours after an Indian Coast Guard (ICG) helicopter crash-landed in the Arabian Sea off Gujarat’s Porbandar coast, the search continues for the missing pilot. The accident, which occurred around 11 pm on Tuesday, involved an advanced light helicopter (ALH) on a mission to evacuate a crew member from the Indian oil tanker, Hari Leela.

The helicopter, which was about 34 nautical miles off Porbandar when it made a hard landing, had four crew members on board. While one aircrew diver was rescued alive, the bodies of one pilot and another aircrew diver were recovered on Tuesday. The aircraft had deployed emergency floaters as it approached the tanker.

Despite the extensive efforts, one pilot remains missing. The ICG has mobilized four ships and two aircraft for the ongoing search and rescue operation. The aircraft are conducting aerial scans, while the ships are surveying the crash area, according to sources in the ICG.

The incident highlights the challenging conditions faced by the Coast Guard in maritime rescue operations. The helicopter had been responding to an urgent evacuation request due to a crew member’s head injuries on the Hari Leela.

The ICG has been working around the clock to locate the missing pilot, with teams coordinating their efforts across sea and air. The search operation marks the third day of intensive efforts to recover the remaining crew member.

The crash has drawn attention to the risks associated with high-stakes rescue missions and the need for robust safety protocols. The Coast Guard’s swift response underscores their commitment to maritime safety and rescue.

Authorities have promised to continue their efforts until the missing pilot is found. The operation’s complexity reflects the difficult conditions of working in open seas and the crucial nature of these rescue missions.

As the search continues, the focus remains on bringing closure to the families of the missing and deceased crew members and understanding the circumstances leading to the crash.