On 23 July, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar launched an aerial survey to monitor the search operations that have been underway to track the Indian Air Force (IAF) place AN-32 that has been missing since 22 July.
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A massive search operation was under way late Friday evening and was likely to continue overnight, Junior Defence Minister Subhash Bhamre told reporters.
The search and rescue operation by Indian Navy and Coast Guard, which went on through the night, continued on Saturdaay and more assets were deployed.
The aircraft went missing on Friday, en route from Chennai’s Tambaram airport to Port Blair.
Besides, there were 11 personnel from the IAF including a lady officer, two from the Army, one from the Coast Guard and 9 from the navy which included some from its armament depot.
“#SAROps 18 Naval & ICG ships (+1sm) deployed with various aircraft…to locate missing AN 32” the navy tweeted. The aircraft however did not make any contact with Air Traffic Control of Port Blair and an overdue action was initiated.
” Hon’ble RM (Raksha Mantri) @manoharparrikar being explained about the ops (operations) whilst in search area on P81″, a Defence Ministry spokesperson said on twitter.
Currently, one P8i aircraft, one Coast Guard aircraft and a C130 are scouring the area along with naval and coast guard ships.
Parrikar was briefed by the Air Force and the Navy in Tambaram, near here. Air force veterans are of the opinion that foul weather might have been the cause for the disappearance of the aircraft.
The plane, which developed three technical snags in July alone, rapidly lost height from 23,000 feet.
Parrikar has directed all top officials to be in touch with the families of those who were on board and provide them information that may be required.
A submarine was also sent for locating transmissions from the emergency locator beacon on board the missing aircraft. Chief of Air Staff Arup Raha is also seen.
According to the IAF, the AN-32 is a twin engine turboprop, medium tactical transport aircraft of Russian origin.
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Air force spokesman Anupam Banerjee said that the last communication from the aircraft was about 15 minutes post-takeoff. Eight civilians working with Indian Navy along with one sailor from Indian Navy were also travelling in the aircraft.
