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SALVAGE OPERATION OF A HELICOPTER 		 Bold text

There can be no better quest in diving than a underwater salvage operation that involves his single minded pursuit of human endeavors and self discovery. For such operational Thrill, action and feats of endurance, precise professional knowledge and competence are the keys which force one to live up to the call of duty and finally to success. On 21st Jan 08 ditching of  a halo off Bumila Creek  in Andaman Nicobar Island at 1700 hrs was reported. There was no loss of life reported. It was perhaps a historical miraculous escape, where in, air crew and passengers had egressed successfully with out any injury. This was an ordeal as the accident site was in accessible from shore to mobilize the resources for salvage view uncharted under unfamiliar terrain and prevailing adverse weather conditions. It was a challenge. But, challenge is something to get more out of life than what appears to be in store for you. Diving team from Coast Guard, was launched off Bumila Creek at 0530 hrs on 22 Jan 08, from ship’s boat ex  Coast Guard Ship for initial survey. The diving team found the helo lying upside down resting on its rotor, the strongest point. The rotor blades were intact except for one blade was slightly loose. One diver was directed to clear the removable parts like seats; windows etc by 1100 clock, all the removable parts were removed. Then 03 hawsers were tied with the rotor (strong point), and lashing points, to straighten the helo. By now, strong ebb had already started. 15 hands were put together to pull the helo taking the advantage of ebb. It seemed that nothing was impossible. Three attempts were made to straighten the helo and the 4th one was successful. Immediately, the helo was secured with three lashing and fastened with the shore points. Thereafter the main rotor blades followed by tail blades, were removed. It was about 1605 hrs and sunset was nearing. The efforts were induced to make the helo buoyant with 205 ltr empty drums and 35 ltrs jerry cans. Much more with much less was the essence during these trying circumstances. Almost 15 jerry cans and 03 drums were tied in equilibrium to ensure stability of helo in floating condition. Then helo was now half submerged and secured with 03 lashing to maintain it in upright condition throughout the night. A team of divers was also left behind to maintain watch during the night. At about 2000 hrs, however the winding and grueling waves of formidable sea again turned it upside down and it could not sustain the current of speedy high water. Recovering from this was the ultimate test in endurance, skill and tenacity. Believing, everyday puts you on trial and every evening passes the judgment, the diving team started operation at 0300 hrs and embarked the sea rider to take up the next new day and the aim was to aggravate the operational tempo to complete the mission. At about 0630 hrs, with motto,” All for One and One for all,” the team stepped in unison. Against all odds, the team swung into action to fly the Coast Guard flag high. One more drum sideways, was tied upon to the helo to increase the buoyancy. Three-fourth helo was floating above the water but this state of floatation would have resulted in dragging while towing could have parted away view dominant force exerted by strong swell, hence 100 % buoyancy was the essential requirement for safe tow through 2.5 NM and prevailing sea conditions. Now to make it 100 %buoyant, it was decided to use the life raft. And hence one 20 men life raft was spread upon under the carriage between the tripod and fastened with three lashing points also. The life raft was spread in such a way that when inflated, it could take the helo in its lap. The life raft was lashed out with various ropes viewing the prevailing sea conditions and to rule out any possibility of its slipping from the under carriage. A scramble net was also spread all around the life raft, drums and jerry cans to further ensure the sustainability of floating arrangement, so that it could sustain 2.5 NM towing against the mounting sea swell, it was also ensured by securing 05 jerry cans that tail rotor boom always remain above water. Now, again three hawsers were tied to the strongest point of the helo to turn the titled helo in upright position. Again 15 personnel were put together to pull the helo. The attempt was successful and helo turned upright. The life raft tied undercarriage was inside the water. This was the right time to operate, the CO2 cylinder to fill the empty chambers of life raft. And as expected, on consuming the whole cylinder, the life raft was completely swollen with pride lifting the helo in its laps, like a baby in her mothers lap. And it was all hurry and happiness among the team.

It was high water. Immediately it was decided to commence towing. Three ropes were tied with the lashing points to make a garland and separately on to the boat so that, while towing, weight is equally distributed on all the three ropes. Diving officer alongwith 03 divers embarked the helo to struggle with any untoward incident while on passage to ship. Tow commenced at about 0845 hrs and heavy swell and mounting sea solemnized the inevitable determination and dedication to the call of duty. While towing, the sharp edges of helo started pricking the life raft. The shoes of divers were put to provide the cushioning effect to maintain the integrity of the chamber of life raft. Keen sense of responsibility, determination and planning, led the tow to arrive safely alongside the ship by 1045 hrs. Once alongside, it was hooked to the strongest point of helo and winched on board by the ships crane. Thus a rare of rarest operational commitment was successfully accomplished.

The impossible mission has demonstrated amazing level of dedication, devotion and professionalism. This was a great mission providing just how well Coast Guard really works when required, and lives upto the expectation of everyone. A great mission & lifetime experience.