Indian Navy helicopter ditched off Mumbai coast due to technical snag; all crew members rescued

Mumbai: On Wednesday, March 8, a navy helicopter ditched off Mumbai coast due to technical snag. The Indian Navy helicopter ditched close to the coast.

The flight was on a routine sortie; three crew members were rescued by naval patrol craft after immediate search and rescue. A probe to investigate the incident has been ordered.

"Indian Navy ALH on a routine sortie off Mumbai ditched close to the coast.
Immediate Search and Rescue ensured safe recovery of crew of 3 by naval patrol craft. An inquiry to investigate the incident has been ordered."

Pilot carries out controlled ditching over sea

The pilot managed to carry out a controlled ditching over the sea and deploy emergency flotation gears to allow the crew to escape. The chopper's crew members, whose identity and rank have not been revealed, were shifted to the helicopter base INS Shikra where they were medically examined and discharged.

The Indian Navy issued a statement soon after the incident took place. The statement mentioned that the helicopter experienced a rapid loss of height due to power loss. Also, the crew members were brought to safety and were medically examined.

"An Indian Navy ALH on a routine flying mission off Mumbai experienced a sudden loss of power and rapid loss of height. The pilot carried out controlled ditching over water. All three aircrew exited the helicopter safely and were recovered as part of a swift Rescue Operation. They were brought to the Navy's helicopter base INS Shikra and medically examined. All three are safe. The ditched helicopter deployed its emergency flotation gear and efforts are underway to salvage it. An inquiry to investigate the incident has been ordered," read the statement.