Sri Vijaya Puram | March 2, 2026
Expressing deep anguish over the recent Pawan Hans helicopter crash near Mayabunder, ANTCC Campaign Committee Chairman G. Bhasker has urged the Hon’ble Lt. Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands to order a thorough and transparent inquiry into the incident and expedite the modernization of the helicopter fleet operating in the Islands.
In a letter addressed to the Lt. Governor, Bhasker referred to the crash of a Pawan Hans Limited (PHL) Dauphin N3 helicopter in the sea near Mayabunder on February 24, reportedly due to a technical snag. The helicopter was carrying five passengers and two crew members at the time of the incident.
He noted with concern that Mrs. Nambi Amma, a resident of Mayabunder who was critically injured in the crash and shifted to Sri Vijaya Puram for advanced medical treatment, succumbed to her injuries on February 27. The other injured passengers are currently undergoing treatment.
Describing the incident as a tragic loss that has shaken the island community, Bhasker stated that helicopters operating in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have been in service for decades. He emphasized that the safety of islanders, who rely heavily on helicopter services for medical emergencies and inter-island connectivity, cannot be compromised.
In his letter, the ANTCC leader recalled the Lt. Governor’s address delivered at Netaji Stadium on January 26, 2025, wherein it was announced that four Sikorsky helicopters with a 12-passenger capacity had arrived in Sri Vijaya Puram and would be deployed for regular flights after completion of formalities.
Bhasker pointed out that nearly a year has passed since the announcement and questioned why the four Sikorsky helicopters have not yet been made operational. Citing information that the helicopters may have been diverted for use in mainland cities due to clearance issues, he termed the matter a serious concern if found to be true.
“The recent crash has once again highlighted the urgent need for immediate modernization of the helicopter fleet in the Islands,” he stated, urging the Administration to ensure the procurement and deployment of technologically advanced helicopters exclusively for island operations.
He further underscored that for the geographically isolated Andaman and Nicobar Islands, helicopter services are not a luxury but a lifeline, particularly for residents of remote areas.
A copy of the letter has also been marked to the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, for information and necessary action.
