Helicopter Crashes into the Sea in Andaman; Passengers Safe

Port Blair: A Pawan Hans helicopter carrying seven people crashed into the sea in Andaman and Nicobar islands. All passengers are safe. The helicopter had taken off from Sri Vijayapuram (Port Blair) at 8:45 AM, heading toward Mayabundar in North Andaman. The accident occurred 300 meters short of the runway.

As soon as the helicopter crashed into the sea, local boats and the Coast Guard arrived at the scene and began rescue operations. All seven people on board were immediately brought ashore. The initial conclusion is that the accident was caused by a technical malfunction. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has ordered an investigation into the incident.