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Porbandar, Gujarat: An Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), which had recently earned recognition for rescuing 67 lives during cyclonic weather in Gujarat, met with a tragic accident in the Arabian Sea. The helicopter, engaged in a rescue operation, was forced to make an emergency landing approximately 45 kilometers from Porbandar. The incident occurred late on Monday night around 11 PM, while the helicopter was conducting a medical evacuation for a seriously injured crew member aboard the Indian-flagged Motor Tanker Hari Leela, following a distress call from the vessel’s Master.
The helicopter, carrying four crew members, took off at around 11 PM on Monday. As it neared the tanker, the aircraft experienced an emergency that led to its crash into the sea. The Coast Guard has stated that the exact cause of this emergency landing is under investigation. While one crew member has been recovered from the crash site, a large-scale search and rescue operation is underway to locate the remaining three missing personnel. The wreckage of the helicopter has been found, but the fate of the missing crew remains uncertain.
The Indian Coast Guard has deployed significant resources for the search operation, including four ships and two aircraft, to scour the area for the missing personnel. In an official statement, the Coast Guard acknowledged the incident, noting the helicopter’s recent heroic actions during cyclonic weather and confirming the ongoing search efforts.
Past Heroic Efforts:
The Coast Guard helicopter involved in this tragic incident had previously demonstrated its capability and dedication by saving 67 lives in Gujarat during severe cyclonic weather. The helicopter was called into action again on Monday night to assist with a medical evacuation, underscoring its critical role in maritime safety operations. The Coast Guard has reiterated its commitment to continuing the search and rescue efforts until all missing personnel are accounted for.
Recent Rescue Operations:
This crash follows another recent rescue operation by the Indian Coast Guard on August 26, where 11 crew members from the distressed MV ITT Puma were rescued in a challenging night-time operation. The general cargo vessel, registered in Mumbai, had been en route from Kolkata to Port Blair when it sank 90 nautical miles south of Sagar Island in West Bengal. The Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Chennai coordinated the rescue effort, deploying vessels and aircraft to locate and save the crew members amidst severe weather conditions. The successful rescue highlighted the Coast Guard’s efficiency and readiness in responding to maritime emergencies.
MiG-29 Fighter Jet Crash in Rajasthan:
In a separate incident on the same night, an Indian Air Force (IAF) MiG-29 fighter jet crashed near the Uttarlai IAF airbase in Barmer, Rajasthan. The crash occurred due to a technical fault, but fortunately, the pilot ejected safely before the jet was destroyed. A video of the burning wreckage circulated online, showing the aftermath near the Mangala Processing Terminal MPT Road in Dhani, Alanio. The incident was confirmed by Superintendent of Police Narendra Meena, who reported no casualties. The IAF has ordered a court of inquiry to investigate the cause of the crash.
These incidents underscore the inherent risks faced by military and rescue personnel during their operations, as they continue to serve with courage and commitment in the face of danger. The search for the missing Coast Guard personnel continues, with the nation hoping for their safe recovery.
