3 missing as Indian Coast Guard's helicopter makes emergency landing in sea; aircraft wreckage located

PTC News Desk: An Indian Coast Guard helicopter carrying four aircrews was reportedly forced to make an emergency landing in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Porbandar during an operation on Monday. One crew member has been found, and the search for the remaining three is ongoing. Aircraft wreckage has been discovered.

According to the Indian Coast Guard, the incident occurred as the helicopter approached the vessel for evacuation. The Coast Guard has deployed four ships and two aircraft for a search effort.

Releasing a statement, Indian Coast Guard said, "Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) which saved 67 lives during recent cyclonic weather in Gujarat was launched around 2300 hours yesterday for 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 4 aircrew onboard, during the said operation reportedly was forced to make an emergency landing at sea. One crew has been recovered and search for the remaining 3 crew is in progress. Aircraft wreckage has been located. The incident happened whilst the helicopter was approaching the vessel for the evacuation. Presently , ICG has pressed 04 ships, and two aircraft for search operation," the statement added.

Further details are awaited.