NEW DELHI: Three crew members aboard an Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) are missing after the chopper made an emergency landing in the sea late Monday night. The helicopter had recently played a vital role in rescuing 67 lives during cyclonic weather in Gujarat.
The helicopter, launched around 11pm, was en route to evacuate a seriously injured crew member from the Indian-flagged motor tanker Hari Leela, located approximately 45 kilometers off the coast of Porbandar.
The helicopter, launched around 11pm, was en route to evacuate a seriously injured crew member from the Indian-flagged motor tanker Hari Leela, located approximately 45 kilometers off the coast of Porbandar.
According to Indian Coast Guard, the helicopter, carrying four aircrew members, was forced to make an emergency landing at sea while approaching the vessel. The cause of the emergency landing is still under investigation.
One crew member has been recovered from the crash site, while the search for the remaining three is still underway. The wreckage of the aircraft has been located.
The ICG has swiftly mobilized a massive search and rescue operation, deploying four ships and two aircraft to comb the area for the missing crew.