India Coast Guard culminates search and rescue efforts of ALH helicopter

New Delhi [India], October 11 (ANI): The search and rescue efforts concluded for the India Coast Guard ALH helicopter, which was ditched at sea during a Medevac night mission last month, a press release said.

The ICG helicopter that ditched on September 2, had two pilots and two Air Crew Divers and was on Medevac (medical evacuation) mission to evacuate a seriously injured crew member from Motor Tanker Hari Leela.

The mortal remains of Comdt Rakesh Kumar Rana, Pilot in Command, were recovered on October 10.

“Post accident, ICG launched a massive search and rescue operation, during which one crew was rescued from sea. Further, mortal remains of Commandant (JG) Vipin Babu and Karan Singh, Pradhan Navik were recovered from the sea on September 3, 2024,” the release said.

ICG along with Indian Navy and other stakeholders continued unrelenting search efforts to locate the remaining crew, Commandant Rakesh Kumar Rana, who was the Pilot in Command of the mission. As part of the continuous search efforts by ICG and Indian Navy ships in area, more than 70 air sorties and 82 ship days involving several ships were tasked for locating the missing pilot.

“It is intimated with much regret that mortal remains of the brave soul has been retrieved from sea on October 10, 2024 approx. 55 Km south west of Porbandar. The Mortal remains will be cremated as per service traditions and honour,” the release added.

“A warm salute to the three brave souls from Rank and File of the Indian Coast Guard who laid down their lives in the line of duty,” the release further added.