Mayabunder | March 1, 2026
(With Inputs from Saw Abraham)
Members of the Karen Youth Club played the most crucial role in the successful recovery of the Pawan Hans Limited Dauphin N3 helicopter that ditched into the sea near Mayabunder recently.
The helicopter, bearing registration VT-PHY, was operating a scheduled flight from Sri Vijaya Puram to Mayabunder via Rangat when it ditched into the sea on February 24, approximately 300 metres short of the Mayabunder helipad where it was scheduled to land.
Following the incident, efforts were initiated to retrieve the aircraft from the sea. On February 27, a coordinated operation was carried out to tow the helicopter from the ditching site to the Mayabunder Jetty.
According to reports, members of the Karen Youth Club were instrumental in the challenging marine recovery operation. The extraction process began at around 6 a.m. The team worked for several hours to stabilise the helicopter in the water by securing empty plastic drums to the fuselage, creating makeshift flotation devices to prevent it from sinking during transit.
Once buoyancy was ensured, multiple engine-powered dinghies were deployed for towing. The boats were strategically tied together in a series formation and then secured to the helicopter to distribute the load evenly and maintain stability during the journey to the jetty.
Despite the complexities posed by sea conditions and the delicate nature of the operation, the team successfully towed the helicopter to Mayabunder Jetty without further damage.
Those from the Karen Youth Club who were reportedly involved in the recovery operation include Saw Clifford (S/o Saw Thomson), Saw Stephen (S/o Saw Jackey), Saw Johnny (S/o Late Saw Poayesay), Saw Thomas (S/o Jackey), Saw Neyan (S/o Saw Lwetoo), Saw Hlagvi (S/o Bhton), Saw Mark (S/o Aungtobue), Saw Thudomu (S/o Saw Mura), Saw Justin (S/o Saw Santow), Saw Tanthu (S/o Late Phobow), Saw Potoobow (S/o Saw Yotha), Saw Pawkhu (S/o Saw Ohnbway), Saw Daismond (S/o Saw Bineewane) and Saw Gyi (S/o Saw Gerry).
Their familiarity with local waters and experience operating in challenging marine conditions were said to be key factors in the success of the recovery effort. The safe extraction of the helicopter is expected to aid authorities in carrying out further technical examination and investigation into the circumstances surrounding the ditching.
