The search and rescue operations for the Pilot and ALH WSI MK II Rudra, which crashed into Ranjit Sagar Dam on 03 Aug 2021 are going on in full swing. The Defence Forces are employing best of the equipment available in the country to locate the wreckage which includes; Remotely Operated Underwater Vehicles, Handheld Navigation System with Sonar, Side Scanner Sonar with Echo Sensor & Portable Transducer, Divers Propulsion Vehicle, Multi Beam Sonar and Submarine Rescue Unit of Navy. In addition, Special Forces Commandos’ along with Marcos of Indian Navy are carrying out continuous diving in the areas being identified through the technical means. To facilitate the same, Indian Army has also created a large floating platform from where all diving operations along with the launch of specialist equipment’s are being executed.
Various agencies like NDRF, Civilian experts and Dam authorities have also been incorporated in the search operations.
Indian Navy has been constantly upscaling and upgrading the equipment being used for this search and salvage operation. The challenge of operating remotely controlled equipment at a depth where human intervention is not feasible and where the visibility is not more than a few inches are being handled by incorporating electronic Multi Beam Sonars etc.
The search operations are being spearheaded by a Commodore rank officer who is expert in Naval rescue operations along with the Indian Army Brigadier having expertise in civil engineering aspects. In addition, search operations are being monitored round the clock by GOC Gurj Division and GOC Rising Star Corps making regular visits to the crash site. The search and rescue operations continue to be executed at a war footing.
The Indian Army is fully committed for retrieving the second crew member of the ill fated helicopter. The Indian Army empathises with the grief of relatives of the crew of the ill fated Helicopter.
