The survivors being spotted at the rescue area

The survivors being rescued by team in helicopter

A survivor narrating harrowing experience

Ahmedabad, 29 June 2012

In a daring rescue operation carried out on 28 Jun 12 by Indian Air Force, 21 personnel from Little Rann of Kutch 30 Km north of Halvad Taluka in Surendrnagar district in Gujrat were rescued.

On receiving a message from civil authorities, Air Force Station Jamnagar was tasked by South Western Air Command, for casualty evacuation in the region. As per the information received 21 personnel were trapped in marshy and swampy land. The mission was launched within a span of 15 minutes from Jamnagar Air Base and IAF rescue team reached the sight in 45 minutes. The crew spotted all 21 personnel dispersed at three locations. Most of them were lying on the slush in a semi conscious condition, dehydrated and exhausted as they were stuck at the spot for 8 to 9 hours.

Comprehending the gravity of situation and applying presence of mind the Captain lowered the helicopter to a height of half a meter above ground in wind speed close to 40-45 kmph. A ladder was extended outside and all survivors were pulled up one by one inside the helicopter. After hovering for 15 minutes at three different spots in strong, gusty and turbulent winds, finally all the villagers were rescued and handed over to local police.

The rescue helicopter was captained by Wing Commander Vikas Bali and Flight Lieutenant Manoj Sharma with Warrant Officers KK Tripathi, SK Dwivedi and Leading Aircrew Diver Raj Kumar as crew members. Standby helicopter was captained by Wing Commander KA Baig and Flight Lieutenant TVR Singh was the co-pilot. HQ SWAC, IAF has taken the initiative of conducting joint training camps with Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra State Govt civilian officials on a regular basis down to the taluka level which helped getting better response in saving the precious lives.

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