Pawan Hans Helicopter Makes Emergency Sea Landing Near Andaman's Mayabunder; No Injuries Reported

Mayabunder: A Pawan Hans helicopter travelling from Sri Vijaya Puram (formerly Port Blair) to Mayabunder was forced to make a controlled emergency landing in the middle of the sea at around 9:30 am on Tuesday, 

According to reports, two pilot members and five people on board, including a young infant, were rescued safely.

Race Against Time

The flight was nearing its destination at the Mayabunder helipad when technical issues reportedly forced the pilots to deviate from their path.

Eyewitnesses on the shore described a tense scene as the aircraft descended slowly toward the water, a considerable distance from the coastline.

Pawan Hans Intra Island ferry from Mayabunder became technical soon after take off, and the pilot decided to land in water to minimise damage

The helicopter appeared to maintain control as it hit the surface, suggesting the pilots executed a specialised emergency water landing.

While an official statement is still awaited on the exact nature of the mechanical failure, the controlled descent was instrumental in preventing a tragedy.

Rescue Operation

The response from local authorities was near-instantaneous. The Police Marine Force launched a swift operation as soon as the aircraft went down.

Visuals from the site showed a marine police boat pulling alongside the semi-submerged helicopter. In a coordinated effort, rescuers evacuated the shaken passengers and crew from the aircraft. 

Both pilots were later seen being transported to safety in a Police Marine Force fibre boat, looking exhausted but unharmed.

A Pawan Hans spokesperson said, “Around 9:30 a.m. today, a Pawan Hans helicopter experienced a short landing incident near Mayabunder in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The helicopter had taken off from Port Blair with two crew members and five passengers on board. All have been rescued and are safe. No injuries have been reported,” Pawan Hans spokesperson.

The spokesperson added, “All necessary safety protocols were followed, and authorities ensured the well-being of the crew and passengers.”

Safety Check

According to reports, the passengers onboard included three men, one woman, one child, and the two pilots. The pilots are also safe, said the local authorities.

The rescued passengers, Rajita Devi and her infant, Kamal Ch. Das, Sipra Saha, and Nambi Amma have been admitted to Dr RP Hospital, Mayabunder, and are under observation and treatment.

Investigation Underway

While the immediate focus remains on the survivor's safety, questions are already being raised about the cause of the incident. 

Pawan Hans, the national helicopter carrier, is under scrutiny in the region regarding fleet maintenance. 

Authorities are actively assessing the situation, and further details regarding the cause and circumstances of the incident are awaited.