Helicopter Crash – Seven Rescued After Sea Landing in Andamans
Helicopter Crash – A helicopter operated by Pawan Hans made an emergency landing in the sea near Mayabunder in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on Tuesday morning, with all seven people on board rescued safely, according to officials.
The aircraft, which was carrying five passengers and two crew members, encountered difficulties shortly after takeoff and went down about 300 metres short of the runway while approaching its scheduled destination.
Emergency Landing After Technical Issue
The helicopter had begun its journey earlier in the morning from Sri Vijaya Puram, formerly known as Port Blair, as part of its routine inter-island service. Officials said it departed around 8.30 am for Ranghat and later took off for Mayabunder at approximately 9.10 am. The aircraft was expected to land at 9.30 am but instead ditched into the sea moments before arrival.
Preliminary findings suggest that a technical malfunction may have forced the pilot to carry out a controlled emergency landing on the water. A senior civil aviation official confirmed that an initial assessment points to a mechanical snag, though a detailed investigation has now been ordered to determine the exact cause.
Swift Rescue Operation at Sea
Rescue teams responded quickly after the helicopter went down mid-sea. All five passengers and the two crew members were safely pulled out and transported to a nearby medical facility for evaluation and treatment.
Officials confirmed that the injured were admitted to Dr Rajendra Prasad Hospital in Mayabunder. Civil Aviation Director Nitesh Rawat stated that everyone on board, including the pilot, survived the incident. He added that authorities are yet to formally record the pilot’s statement as part of the investigation process.
Medical staff are monitoring the condition of the passengers and crew. Arrangements are also being explored to shift some of the injured individuals to Sri Vijaya Puram for further care, depending on medical advice.
Flight Details and Official Response
According to a spokesperson for Pawan Hans Ltd, the helicopter had followed its scheduled route for the day, connecting key locations in the North and Middle Andaman district. The aircraft had initially departed from Port Blair before proceeding to Ranghat and then onward to Mayabunder.
The spokesperson confirmed that the helicopter ditched into the sea approximately 300 metres short of the runway during its final approach. He reiterated that all seven individuals on board were rescued safely and that emergency protocols were immediately activated.
A relief helicopter was dispatched from Port Blair soon after the incident to assist with operations and ensure continuity of essential services in the region.
Inquiry Underway
Authorities have initiated a formal inquiry into the accident. Aviation officials will examine technical records, maintenance logs, and operational procedures to establish the circumstances that led to the emergency landing.
Pawan Hans Ltd, a central public sector undertaking headquartered in Noida, operates helicopter services in remote and strategically important regions across India. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands rely heavily on such services for connectivity between islands, particularly in areas where surface transport options are limited.
Officials emphasized that safety procedures were followed during the emergency and credited the pilot’s response for preventing casualties. Further updates are expected once investigators complete a detailed assessment of the aircraft and gather statements from the crew.
For now, authorities have confirmed that all passengers and crew members are out of danger, bringing relief to families and local residents in the island region.