Porbandar: Indian Coast Guard(ICG) today declared culmination of search and rescue of ICG ALH CG 863 helicopter that ditched at sea off Porbandar caost of Gujarat on 2nd September this year. ICG in a formal statement today informed that mortal remains of the brave soul was retrieved from sea on 10 October 2024 approx. 55 Km south west of Porbandar. The Mortal remains will be cremated as per service traditions and honour.

ICG press release in full text: Indian Coast Guard ALH MK-III helicopter bearing frame No. CG 863 had ditched at sea on 02 September 2024 at 2315 hrs. The ICG helicopter had 02 Pilots and 02 Air Crew Divers and was on Medevac mission to evacuate a seriously injured crew member from Motor Tanker Hari Leela.

Post accident, ICG launched a massive search and rescue operation, during which one crew was rescued from sea. Further, mortal remains of Commandant (JG) Vipin Babu and Karan Singh, Pradhan Navik were recovered from sea on 03 September 2024.

ICG along with Indian Navy and other stakeholders continued unrelenting search efforts to locate the remaining crew, Commandant Rakesh Kumar Rana, who was the Pilot in Command of the mission. As part of the continuous search efforts by ICG and Indian Navy ships in area, more than 70 air sorties and 82 ship days involving several ships were tasked for locating the missing pilot. It is intimated with much regret that mortal remains of the brave soul has been retrieved from sea on 10 October 2024 approx. 55 Km south west of Porbandar. The Mortal remains will be cremated as per service traditions and honour.

A warm salute to the three brave souls from Rank and File of the Indian Coast Guard who laid down their lives in the line of duty. DeshGujarat