Summary:
- Indian Coast Guard pilot Cmdr. Rakesh Kumar Rana’s body was found in the Arabian Sea after a month-long search.
- The pilot went missing after a helicopter crash in September; two other crew members were recovered earlier.
- The pilot’s remains will be cremated with full military honors after the discovery 55 kilometers from Porbandar.
The body of Indian Coast Guard pilot Commander Rakesh Kumar Rana, who went missing after a helicopter crash last month, has finally been found off the coast of Gujarat. Cmdr. Rana was the pilot in command of the ALH MK-III helicopter that made a water landing in the Arabian Sea on September 2. At the time of the crash, four crew members were on board. While one member was rescued immediately, the bodies of Cmdr (JG) Vipin Babu and Pradhan Navik Karan Singh were recovered shortly after the accident.
Despite the massive search efforts launched by the Indian Coast Guard and Navy, Cmdr. Rana’s body could not be located for over a month. The search involved more than 70 air sorties and 82 ship days, with numerous vessels deployed in the operation. On Thursday, his remains were finally found approximately 55 kilometers southwest of Porbandar, Gujarat.
The tragic loss of Cmdr. Rana has deeply saddened the nation, and his remains will be cremated with full military honors, reflecting the bravery and commitment of the officer. The Indian Coast Guard’s relentless efforts in this mission showcase their dedication, and the incident raises significant questions regarding the crash‘s causes, which are under investigation.
