Mayabunder | February 25, 2026
A Pawan Hans helicopter made a forced landing in the sea off the coast of Mayabunder on February 24, 2026. The helicopter was carrying seven persons on board, including an infant and two pilots.
As per the Press Release received, the helicopter took off from Sri Vijaya Puram for Rangat at 0830 hrs, landed at Rangat at 0908 hrs and departed for Mayabunder at approximately 0911 hrs (approximate flying time: 15 minutes). When the helicopter did not arrive at the Mayabunder helipad as scheduled, the helipad staff waited for about 5–10 minutes. Meanwhile, the Pradhan, Gram Panchayat Rampur, informed that the helicopter had made a forced landing in the sea near Tota Tikrey (local name), Mayabunder.
Upon receipt of the first information from the local Pradhan, Mr. Sushant Padha, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, North and Middle Andaman, immediately alerted the Station Commandant, Coast Guard and the SDPO to mobilize boats of the Coast Guard and Police Marine Force.
Demonstrating exceptional courage and presence of mind, Mr. K. Karthik Kumar (IRBn Compounder HC (SG/051536)), along with Mr. Saw Manashe (S/o Saw Malachi), Mr. Saw Thomas (S/o Saw Sakaree) and Mr. Saw Sakari (S/o Saw Alisha), posted as Daily Rated Mazdoors in Interview Wildlife Sanctuary and who were en route to Interview Island, plunged into the sea without hesitation. Risking their own safety, they successfully rescued all passengers and pilots. Owing to their prompt and selfless efforts, all persons on board were brought to safety.
The Deputy Commissioner (N&MA) immediately reached the site to oversee evacuation and necessary assistance. Swift joint action was launched by the District Administration, Police Marine Force, Coast Guard and Forest Department, with the support of local residents and all concerned agencies rushing to the spot where the helicopter had made the forced landing.
All passengers, including the infant and both pilots, were rescued and immediately shifted to District Hospital, Mayabunder, where necessary medical examination and treatment were carried out.
The District Administration has highly commended the exemplary bravery, dedication and humanitarian spirit displayed by the rescuers and all departments involved in the rescue operations. Their timely intervention and fearless actions stand as an inspiring example of public service and human compassion in moments of emergency.
