Helicopter crashes into sea in Andaman, all 7 on board rescued safely

A Pawan Hans helicopter carrying seven people, including two crew members and five passengers, made an emergency landing in the sea near Mayabunder in the North and Middle Andaman district on Tuesday morning, officials said. All aboard were safely rescued and admitted to Dr Rajendra Prasad Hospital in Mayabunder.

The helicopter, registered as VT‑PHY , departed Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair) around 8:30–8:45 am, en route to Rangat and Mayabunder, when it encountered a technical snag shortly before landing. Around 9:30 am, it ditched into the sea about 300 metres short of the Mayabunder helipad , prompting the pilot to execute a controlled emergency water landing .

Rescue operations involved the Indian Coast Guard, local police, and nearby fishermen , who helped evacuate all occupants, including an infant , from the mid-sea. Officials confirmed no serious injuries, and all rescued are in stable condition under observation.

A Pawan Hans spokesperson described the incident as a “short landing caused by a technical issue” , noting that emergency protocols were followed, and the pilot’s swift action prevented casualties.

Authorities, including Civil Aviation Director Nitesh Rawat, have ordered a formal inquiry to determine the exact cause of the malfunction and review safety procedures. Investigators will record statements from the pilot and crew as part of the probe.

Deputy Commissioner Sushant Padha praised the rapid response of rescue teams , highlighting the Coast Guard and local police for ensuring the survival of all aboard.

The incident comes amid heightened attention to aviation safety in India, occurring a day after a separate air ambulance crash in Jharkhand claimed seven lives. Pawan Hans operates a fleet across remote and island regions , providing essential connectivity where fixed-wing operations are limited.