ICG ALH MK-III helicopter bearing frame No. CG 863 ditched at sea during a sortie for Medical Evacuation of a seriously injured crew member from Motor Tanker Hari Leela on 02 September 2024 at 2315 hrs. The ICG helicopter had 02 Pilots and 02 Air Crew Diver for the mission at sea.

Post the accident, ICG launched a massive search operation for search of the crew and aircraft. While 01 crew has been rescued from sea, it is with much regret to confirm that 02 lives have been lost. The fuselage of the ICG ALH helicopter is also being recovered for investigation.

Commandant (JG) Vipin Babu and Pradhan Navik Karan Singh were the brave souls whose mortal remains have been recovered from sea. Cremation of the mortal remains is being carried out as per service traditions and honour.

Search efforts have been intensified to locate remaining 01 crew, Commandant Rakesh Kumar Rana, TM who was the Pilot in Command of the mission. ICG ships and air assets have been at search, right from the accident, and efforts have been further augmented by resources from Indian Navy and other stakeholders in the marine domain.