Missing IAF AN-32: Search Ongoing Despite Rough Weather Conditions

The aircraft was supposed to reach Port Blair at 11:30 am on Friday.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar being briefed about the search operations. (Photo: ANI)

Aircraft & choppers launched for search and rescue(SAR) operations for the missing IAF AN-32 plane have returned to Tambaram air base, Chennai due to low visibility.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar arrived in Chennai on Saturday to monitor search operations for the missing Indian Air Force AN-32 aircraft. He boarded an aircraft from Chennai’s Tambaram airport for an aerial survey of the operation.

He was briefed on the search operations at INS Rajali, the Naval Air station.

(Photo: ANI)

(Photo: ANI)

The search operations are still on but have yielded no result yet.

HCS Bisht commented on the search for the missing aircraft on Sunday and said:

Regular aerial surveillance is being undertaken by fixed-wing aircrafts which are taking off from various stations, primarily from Rajali. The challenges we are facing are monsoon conditions, rough seas and depth in the areas, it is 3,500 metres. Thats something we are grappling with, but that notwithstanding, we’re searching the area.

HCS Bisht, Eastern Naval Command Chief, Vice Admiral

He also added that he is in constant touch with the families of those onboard the flight.

We are reaching out to the families and passing information regularly about the situation. We are also asking for ISRO’s help for satellite imaging of that area so that we have some information. We are augmenting the search effort by larger number of ships, aircraft, helicopters, coast guard ships.

HCS Bisht

Additionally, Wing Commander Thiru Jabardeep Singh of IAF Tambaram filed a missing complaint for AN-32 at Selaiyur PS. An FIR has also been lodged on the registered complaint by Singh.

18 naval and Indian coast guard ships have also been deployed in respective search areas. Various aircrafts including P8I, C130 and Dorniers are attempting to locate the missing aircraft.

The aircraft went missing on Friday, en route Port Blair from Chennai’s Tambaram airport. It was supposed to land at Port Blair at 11:30 am, but authorities reportedly lost contact with the aircraft at 8:46 am.

More than six aircrafts and 17 ships had been deployed on Friday for search and rescue operations. Among the 29 passengers on board were 11 navy personnel, three Air Force pilots, two pilots, a coast guard, and eight civilians from the Andaman Nicobar Command.

Also Read:

AN-32 Still Missing: Outdated Technology Hurting Indian Air Force?
More Than 6 Aircraft, 17 Ships to Search for Missing AN-32

(With ANI inputs.)