The body of an Indian Coast Guard pilot who went missing following a helicopter crash in September has been recovered off the coast of Gujarat, authorities announced on Friday.
Commander Rakesh Kumar Rana, the pilot in command of the ALH MK-III helicopter, was one of four individuals aboard when the aircraft made a water landing in the Arabian Sea on September 2. One crew member was rescued, while the bodies of two others were retrieved shortly after the incident.
Following the crash, the Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy initiated a large-scale search and rescue operation, which lasted nearly a month without locating Rana.
His remains were discovered approximately 55 kilometers southwest of Porbandar, Gujarat, on Thursday, according to a statement from the Indian Coast Guard. The extensive search efforts included over 70 air sorties and numerous vessels, conducted over a span of 82 ship days.
The Indian Coast Guard stated that Rana’s remains will be cremated with full military honors.
