Port Blair-bound Pawan Hans helicopter makes emergency sea landing near Mayabunder; all 7 rescued

The helicopter had taken off from Port Blair with two crew members and five passengers on board

A Pawan Hans helicopter made an emergency landing in the sea near Mayabunder in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on Tuesday morning, shortly after take-off. All seven people on board, two crew members and five passengers, were rescued safely, according to officials.

The helicopter had departed from Port Blair and encountered what the company described as a “short landing incident” at around 9:30 am near Mayabunder.

"Around 9:30 a.m. today, a Pawan Hans helicopter experienced a short landing incident near Mayabunder. The helicopter had taken off from Port Blair with two crew members and five passengers on board. All have been rescued and are safe. No injuries have been reported," a Pawan Hans spokesperson said in a statement.

As per initial reports, the aircraft went down in the sea soon after departure, following which local rescue and response teams quickly swung into action. Authorities confirmed that emergency mechanisms were put in place immediately and all occupants were brought to safety, according to multiple local media reports.

While officials have not yet disclosed technical details about what led to the incident, they said assessments are underway.

The cause of the emergency landing is yet to be determined. Aviation authorities are expected to conduct an inquiry once initial inspections are completed.