IAF AN-32 aircraft. Image Source: indianairforce.nic.in
Search and rescue operation for missing Indian Air Force aircraft AN-32 intensified as now the Indian force minutely exploring Indian Ocean too. The aircraft had gone missing on yesterday with 29 people on board over Bay of Bengal on its way to Port Blair.
Massive search operation started by Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard with one submarine, eight aircraft and 13 ships including Sahyadri, Rajput, Ranvijay, Kamorta, Kirch, Karmuk, Kora, Kuthar, Shakti, Jyoti, Ghariyal and Sukanya to track the missing plane which last contacted the base 16 minutes after it took off.
“The plane, which was on a routine courier service, took off at about 0830 hours from Tambaram and it was scheduled to land at Port Blair at 1130 hours but it is overdue,” IAF spokesperson Wing Commander Anupam Banerjee said.
“All efforts are being made to trace the missing plane and the service personnel on board,” said Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar who will visit Tambaram air base near Chennai on Saturday.
(With input from PTI)
Tags: IAF AN-32 Missing IAF AN-32
