Indian Navy Joins Search for Missing Pilot After Helicopter Crash

The Indian Navy, along with the Coast Guard, has launched a search operation to locate pilot Rakesh Rana, missing after a helicopter crash off Gujarat's Porbandar coast. A specialized diving team and multiple vessels are involved. Two bodies have been recovered, but the search continues for Rana.

The Indian Navy, including its highly trained divers, has joined the search operation initiated by the Coast Guard to locate pilot Rakesh Rana, who went missing after a helicopter crashed into the Arabian Sea off Gujarat's Porbandar coast four days ago, officials said on Thursday.

The Navy's clearance diving team, which has highly skilled personnel capable of performing various underwater tasks, is assisting the search and rescue operations with a specialized vessel, said Coast Guard PRO Amit Uniyal.

An Advanced Light Helicopter of the Indian Coast Guard, carrying four crew members, crashed into the sea on Monday night during an attempt to evacuate an injured crew member from the motor tanker 'Hari Leela,' which was situated 30 nautical miles off Porbandar coast. While one crew member was rescued immediately, two bodies were recovered later, but the search for Rana continues.

(With inputs from agencies.)