Trinath & Vikramaditya
Sri Vijaya Puram, February 24: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands witnessed a terrifying incident on Tuesday morning when a Pawan Hans helicopter made a crash landing in the sea near Mayabunder. How did a routine flight end up in the waters just short of its destination? While all passengers were rescued safely, the absence of an official press release from the Administration till late evening has raised concerns among islanders, with many questioning the lack of detailed information regarding the possible causes of the incident.
According to initial reports, the helicopter attempted to land at the Mayabunder helipad around 9:50 am but failed to reach the designated landing site and descended into the sea. The exact cause of the incident remains unclear. It has not yet been officially confirmed whether the aircraft was deliberately ditched as a precautionary emergency landing or whether it became unstable during the landing attempt. A detailed investigation has reportedly been initiated.
The helicopter was carrying seven persons, including the pilot and co-pilot. Among the five passengers were three women and a seven-month-old infant. One woman reportedly sustained a head injury, while others suffered minor injuries. All passengers were immediately rescued and shifted to hospital for medical attention. They are currently under medical observation and may be referred to a higher medical centre if required.
Additional District Magistrate of Mayabunder, Mr. Krishna Chaitanya, told Andaman Live News that the District Administration launched a rescue operation within 15 minutes of receiving information about the incident.
Sources said, personnel from the Forest Department, police teams using boats, and local fishermen played a crucial role in rescuing the passengers from the sea. The pilot and co-pilot were also brought to safety and are reported to be stable, though some individuals sustained minor injuries.
The Additional District Magistrate described the sea landing as a serious incident but said that fortunately no loss of life occurred. He added that the pilot is currently in shock and not in a condition to provide a detailed statement. A clearer picture regarding the cause of the accident is expected after further inquiry.
There is no doubt the District Administration of North and Middle Andaman acted promptly in the time of crisis, which is praiseworthy. However, in the absence of a formal and detailed press release from the Administration even hours after the incident, anxiety continues to build among residents. The lack of timely information regarding the circumstances and possible reasons behind such an accident is bound to trigger speculation and panic among islanders, highlighting the need for transparent and prompt public communication in matters of public safety.
