Uncertainty continued over the fate of two pilots who were on board the ill-fated Pawan Hans helicopter that crashed and sank off the Bombay High on Wednesday night, with the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard (ICG) personnel not being able to trace the two pilots.
The Navy and ICG personnel had till Thursday evening located the two missing pilots. “A coordinated search by Indian Navy and Coast Guard ships and aircrafts and divers is currently in progress to locate the survivors and debris. Debris located are being collected and investigated,” a defence spokesperson said.
A Pawan Hans helicopter had crashed and sunk in the Arabian Sea 80 km north-west off south Mumbai at 7.30 pm on Wednesday.
Soon after the crash, the Indian Navy had launched search and rescue operations. Two Immediate Support Vessels (ISVS T50 and T48) reached the area late on Wednesday night, while one destroyer, INS Mumbai, with integral helicopter was expected to reach the area post midnight.
The Pawan Hans helicopter was carrying out night landing practice at the ONGC oil platforms at the Bombay High when the helicopter crashed. There were two pilots on board when the mishap took place. There were no passengers on board the helicopter.
“On receipt of information, Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) of Indian Coast Guard alerted all mariners and concerned organisations leading to response by all stake holders. The Offshore Supply Vessels of ONGC and Immediate
Support Vessels (T50 and T48) of Indian Navy immediately rushed to the location and commenced search for survivors,” the spokesperson said.
“During the search the vessels picked up debris of the ditched helicopter. Coast Guard Dornier ex-Daman continuing the search in area and one Seaking 42C helicopter of the Indian Navy was launched for night search,” the spokesperson said.
“One naval destroyer (with integral helicopter) and two Coast Guard ships at sea were diverted to area and commenced search in the night. copter carrying ship ex-Porbandar is also being sailed with dispatch to reach the area,” the spokesman added.