Overview
- The Dauphin N3 helicopter (VT-PHY) ditched about 300 metres short of the Mayabunder helipad at around 9:30 a.m. in shallow water.
- The aircraft departed Port Blair for Rangat around 8:30 a.m. and left Rangat at 9:10 a.m. for Mayabunder before the controlled sea-landing.
- Two crew and five passengers, including an infant, were rescued by Police Marine Force units, the Coast Guard and local teams and taken to Dr Rajendra Prasad Hospital in Mayabunder.
- Pawan Hans termed the event a “short landing incident,” and civil aviation officials pointed to a preliminary technical snag pending confirmation.
- Investigators have opened a formal probe that will inspect the helicopter, review maintenance logs and take pilot and witness statements.