Hyderabad: The mortal remains of Commandant Rakesh Kumar Rana, the missing pilot of the Advanced Light Helicopter MK-III of Indian Coast Guard (ICG), which made an emergency landing in September 2024, have been retrieved approximately 55 kms south-west off the coast of Porbandar.
The Commandant, who was the helicopter’s pilot-in-command, was on a medical evacuation mission along with one pilot and two aircrew divers to evacuate a seriously injured crew member from Motor Tanker Hari Leela, a statement by the Ministry of Defence said on Friday.
The helicopter had to make an emergency landing on September 02 after which ICG along with the Indian Navy launched a massive search and rescue operation for the missing personnel. One crew was rescued, while the mortal remains of three others were recovered on September 03. After over 70 air sorties and the involvement of multiple ships, the mortal remains of Commandant Rakesh Kumar Rana were retrieved on October 10, the statement added.
The mortal remains of the brave soul will be cremated as per service traditions and honour, it said.
Besides the four Indian Coast Guard (ICG) ships and two naval ships, some aircraft were also helping in the search operations. The average depth in the area is 55 metres.
The Ministry of Defence had offered condolences to the bereaved families of the two deceased crew members.
"My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of Comdt (JG) Vipin Babu and Karan Singh P/Nvk who lost their lives following the unfortunate hard landing of India Coast Guard ALH helicopter in the Sea off the Porbandar coast on 2nd September. Government has put in place all possible measures to retrieve the missing pilot: Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane," the ministry had posted on its official X handle.
