Sri Vijaya Puram

A helicopter operated by Pawan Hans Ltd carrying seven people, including two pilots, crashed into the sea just 300 metres short of the Mayabunder helipad in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on Tuesday morning. All those onboard were rescued safely, officials said.

The incident occurred around 9:30 am after the Dauphin N3 helicopter (VT-PHY) took off from Rangat in North and Middle Andaman district en route to Mayabunder.

According to the operator, the helicopter had earlier departed from Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair) at about 8:30 am for a scheduled passenger service to Rangat and onward to Mayabunder. After landing at Rangat around 9:05 am, it resumed its journey at 9:10 am before ditching into shallow waters approximately 300 metres from its destination.

A senior civil aviation official said preliminary findings suggest a technical snag may have forced the pilot to carry out a controlled emergency landing on the sea. A formal inquiry has been initiated to determine the exact cause.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to send a team to examine the crash site. The wreckage remains in the water as investigators prepare for a detailed inspection. Police have recorded statements from both pilots, and further investigation is underway.

North and Middle Andaman Deputy Commissioner Sushant Padha said coordinated efforts by the rescue team, police, forest personnel and the Indian Coast Guard ensured the swift evacuation of all seven occupants from mid-sea.

The passengers have been identified as Rajita Devi and her child Shivansh, Kamala Chandra Das, Shipra Saha, Nambi Amma, along with pilots Captain Anil Janu and Captain TPS Gulia. Officials confirmed that all are safe.

One passenger who sustained head injuries was referred to GB Pant Hospital in Sri Vijaya Puram for a CT scan. Rajita Devi was airlifted from Mayabunder to Sri Vijaya Puram around 3:20 pm for further treatment, while her child was reported to be unharmed. Earlier in the day, Civil Aviation Director Nitesh Rawat said the injured were receiving medical care at Dr Rajendra Prasad Hospital in Mayabunder.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands Director General of Police Hargobinder Singh Dhaliwal praised the Police Marine Force for their rapid response in rescuing the passengers and crew. He said authorities are continuing to assess the situation, with priority being given to medical assistance and the ongoing investigation.

READ MORE: Bengaluru cleric asks Muslims to help NIA in tracing a Lashkar terrorist

The incident has once again brought attention to aviation safety protocols in island territories, where helicopter services play a crucial role in passenger connectivity and emergency transport.