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The tragic incident involving a Coast Guard Dhruv advanced light helicopter (ALH Mk-III) that crashed into the Arabian Sea near Porbandar on Monday night has resulted in a frantic search and rescue operation to locate the missing pilot, Commandant Rakesh Rana. While the bodies of the other pilot, Deputy Commandant Vipin Babu, and diver Karan Singh were recovered on Tuesday, Commandant Rana remains unaccounted for, intensifying the efforts to locate him. The incident underscores the inherent risks associated with air operations, particularly in challenging environments like the Arabian Sea.
Commandant Rakesh Rana, the commanding officer of the Porbandar-based 835 Squadron, was piloting the ALH, which was on a medical evacuation mission following an emergency on board a tanker. The helicopter, carrying four personnel in total, including two pilots and two flight divers, ditched into the sea just 15 minutes after being launched, around 11:15 pm on Monday. This unfortunate event highlights the unpredictable nature of maritime operations, where unforeseen circumstances can quickly escalate into serious incidents.
In response to the crash, the Coast Guard has taken proactive measures to ensure the safety of its fleet. A one-time safety inspection of all ALH helicopters has been ordered, with a particular focus on flying controls and the transmission system. As a precautionary measure, the entire ALH fleet has been temporarily grounded pending the completion of these inspections. The Coast Guard operates 16 ALHs, which are designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, and play a vital role in various missions including search and rescue, maritime surveillance, and law enforcement. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining a high level of operational safety and conducting thorough inspections to prevent future accidents.