(Commonwealth_India) On Sunday, January 5, 2025, a tragic incident occurred when an Indian Coast Guard helicopter crashed at Porbandar Airport, resulting in the deaths of three crew members. The accident took place around 12:15 PM, during the helicopter’s attempt to land after a routine sortie. According to Superintendent of Police Bhagirathsinh Jadeja, the Indian Coast Guard’s Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), which was returning to the airport, crashed while attempting a landing on the runway. Tragically, the helicopter caught fire, and the three crew members, including two pilots and a diver, were unable to survive. Postmortem examinations have yet to confirm their identities and determine the exact cause of death.
The mishap occurred at the Porbandar Airport, which is located on the outskirts of the city and does not serve commercial flights. Instead, it serves as a facility for the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard. The Indian Coast Guard confirmed that the ALH Mk-III helicopter involved in the accident was designated as CG 859 and was performing a routine training sortie at the time. The crew consisted of two pilots and one aircrew diver. After the crash, emergency services quickly recovered the crew members and transported them to the Government Hospital in Porbandar, where they were sadly declared dead upon arrival.
A statement from the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) confirmed the fatalities and expressed condolences to the families of the victims. The ICG also announced that the deceased crew members—Commandant (JG) Saurabh, Deputy Commandant SK Yadav, and Pradhan Navik Manoj—would be cremated with full military honors, by service traditions. The statement further highlighted that an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the accident. A Board of Inquiry has been set up to look into the factors that led to the tragic event.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru manufactures all 16 ALH Dhruv helicopters used by the Indian Coast Guard. This fleet plays a crucial role in performing various surveillance, search-and-rescue, and other operational duties. The crash at Porbandar follows a similar incident that took place in September 2024, when another ALH helicopter crashed into the Arabian Sea near Porbandar during a medical evacuation mission. The crash prompted the ALH fleet to temporarily ground itself for safety checks. Unfortunately, three of the four crew members on board the helicopter at the time of the crash lost their lives.
In response to ongoing concerns about the safety of the fleet, the Ministry of Defence took steps to ensure the reliability of the ALH Dhruv helicopters. In March 2024, contracts were signed with HAL to acquire an additional 34 ALH Dhruv Mk III helicopters, including 9 for the Indian Coast Guard, as part of a broader effort to bolster the fleet and improve operational safety.
This recent crash has highlighted the inherent risks associated with aviation and the challenges faced by those who serve in such dangerous environments. It also underscores the importance of ongoing safety measures and thorough investigations to prevent future tragedies. The incident has left the Indian Coast Guard and the entire defense community mourning the loss of these dedicated personnel who gave their lives in the service of their country.