Indian Coast Guard pilot found dead after month-long search following helicopter crash

After a month-long search, the body of Indian Coast Guard pilot Commandant RK Rana has been recovered following a helicopter crash off the Gujarat coast. The crash, which occurred during a night medical evacuation mission on September 2, 2024, claimed the lives of three crew members.

The body of Indian Coast Guard pilot Commandant Rakesh Kumar Rana, who went missing over a month ago following a helicopter crash, was recovered on October 10, 55 km southwest of Porbandar, Gujarat, officials said on Friday. The Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) MK-III crashed into the Arabian Sea on September 2 while evacuating an injured man from motor tanker Hari Leela.

Three crew members missing, two bodies previously recovered

The crash led to three crew members going missing. While diver Gautam Kumar was rescued immediately, the bodies of pilot Vipin Babu and diver Karan Singh were recovered a day after the accident. The search for Rana continued for over five weeks, involving more than 70 air sorties and 82 ship days, with the help of the Indian Navy and other agencies.

ICG salutes fallen heroes

In a statement, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) honored Rana and the other crew members, stating, “A warm salute to the three brave souls from Rank and File of the Indian Coast Guard who laid down their lives in the line of duty.” Rana’s remains will be cremated with full-service honors as per military traditions.

The incident occurred while the crew attempted to rescue an injured person aboard the motor tanker, approximately 30 nautical miles off the Porbandar coast.

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