Body of Coast Guard pilot found in Arabian Sea after months of search following helicopter crash | India News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Mortal remains of the Indian Coast Guard pilot who went missing after a helicopter crashed in September has been recovered from the coast of Gujarat, the Indian Coast Guard said in a statement.
Earlier on September 2, Cmdr. Rakesh Kumar Ranathe captain of the ALH MK-III helicopter, was among four people on board when it landed in water in the Arabian Sea.
One crew member was rescued, while the bodies of two others were recovered shortly after the crash. The two crew members who died were identified as Commander (JG) Vipin Babu and Karan Singh, Pradhan Navik. Their bodies were recovered from the sea on September 3, 2024 after a large-scale search and rescue operation.
“ICG (Coast Guard) along with the Indian Navy and other stakeholders continued the relentless search efforts to locate Commander Rakesh Kumar Rana, the Commander of the Mission.
“His remains will be cremated in accordance with service traditions and honors. A warm salute to the three brave souls of Rank and File of the Indian Coast Guard who laid down their lives in the line of duty,” the Coast Guard said in a press release. .
As part of the ongoing search efforts by ICG and IN ships in the area, more than 70 air sorties and 82 ship days involving several ships were tasked with locating the missing pilot.
Rana’s remains were found about 55 kilometers southwest of Porbandar, Gujarat, on Thursday, the Indian Coast Guard said in a statement.
The remains will be cremated with full military honors, the Indian Coast Guard said.