Tribute Paid to Indian Coast Guard Pilot After Tragic Helicopter Crash

Indian Coast Guard pilot Vipin Babu was cremated in his hometown following a fatal helicopter crash off the Gujarat coast. The crash, during a medical emergency mission, claimed the lives of Babu and diver Karan Singh. Full military honours were given, and the search for another missing pilot continues.

The body of Indian Coast Guard pilot Vipin Babu, who lost his life in a helicopter crash off the Gujarat coast, was cremated at his hometown of Mavelikkara on Wednesday.

The mortal remains of the late pilot arrived at the ICG Air Enclave in Nedumbassery and were later taken to his native place.

Full military honours were accorded to the deceased before cremation, according to defence sources.

As per the report, the Coast Guard helicopter carrying four crew members crashed into the sea nearly 30 nautical miles from the coast due to unknown reasons during a medical emergency rescue mission mid-sea on Tuesday.

Two persons have died while the rescued crew member, Gautam Kumar, is currently admitted to a hospital, it said.

The bodies of Commandant Vipin Babu and diver Karan Singh were recovered on Tuesday night, while a search is still on to trace another pilot, Rakesh Rana, said Coast Guard spokesperson, Amit Uniyal on Wednesday.

(With inputs from agencies.)