The Impressive TimesPorbandar, Sept 3 2024 : An Indian Coast Guard Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), which had recently played a crucial role in saving 67 lives during cyclonic weather in Gujarat, made an emergency landing in the Arabian Sea during a rescue operation late Monday night. Out of the four crew members onboard, one has been rescued, while a large-scale search operation is underway for the remaining three. The helicopter was on a mission 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 Coast Guard received an urgent request from the vessel’s master for a medical evacuation, prompting the helicopter’s launch around 11 pm on September 2. However, as the helicopter approached the tanker, it was forced to make an emergency landing at sea. The reason for the emergency landing is currently under investigation.
The Indian Coast Guard has initiated an extensive search and rescue operation to locate the missing crew members. Four ships and two aircraft have been deployed to scour the area. The Coast Guard has confirmed that the wreckage of the helicopter has been located, but the search for the missing personnel remains ongoing. In a statement, Coast Guard officials noted, “The Indian Coast Guard ALH, which recently saved 67 lives during cyclonic weather in Gujarat, was launched around 2300 hrs on 02 Sep 24 for the medical evacuation of a seriously injured crew member onboard the Indian-flagged motor tanker Hari Leela. The helicopter, with four crew members onboard, was forced to make an emergency landing at sea during the operation. One crew member has been recovered, and the search for the remaining three is in progress.” This incident follows a successful rescue operation conducted by the Indian Coast Guard on August 26, when 11 crew members of the MV ITT Puma were rescued after their vessel went down approximately 90 nautical miles south of Sagar Island in West Bengal. The Coast Guard’s Regional Headquarters (North East) in Kolkata quickly mobilized two vessels and a Dornier aircraft, leading to the safe recovery of the crew under challenging conditions.
**MiG-29 Fighter Jet Crash in Rajasthan**
On the same night as the Coast Guard helicopter incident, 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 the pilot safely ejected before the jet went down. The burning wreckage was found near Mangala Processing Terminal (MPT) Road, Dhani in Alanio, far from any populated areas, minimizing the risk to civilians. Superintendent of Police Narendra Meena confirmed the incident, stating, “The aircraft crashed tonight in Barmer, away from any populated areas.” No casualties have been reported. A court of inquiry has been ordered to investigate the cause of the crash.
These two incidents highlight the inherent risks faced by India’s defense forces in their critical operations. The ongoing search for the missing Coast Guard crew members and the investigation into the MiG-29 crash underscore the commitment of Indian forces to safety and their dedication to protecting lives.
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