THE GOAN NETWORK
VASCO
The Navy on Monday stated an intensive aerial, coastal and surface search by Indian Navy ships and aircraft to locate the second pilot of the trainer MiG-29K aircraft which crashed in the Arabian Sea on Thursday.
"Underwater search by divers and seabed mapping using specialised equipment in the vicinity of the primary wreckage of MiG-29K is being undertaken," stated a press release issued by PRO (Navy), New Delhi on Monday.
Another naval press statement on Sunday said "some debris of the aircraft including landing gear, turbo charger, fuel tank engine and wing engine cowling have been located.”
“In addition to nine warships and 14 aircraft engaged in the search efforts, Indian Navy's Fast Interceptor Craft are also deployed to search waters along the coast. Further, the marine/coastal police are on the lookout and nearby fishing villages have been sensitised," the statement said.
It may be recalled that a MiG-29K trainer aircraft operating at sea crashed in the Arabian sea on Thursday evening and while one pilot has been rescued, search operations have been underway to locate the other pilot.
The Navy had informed that the MiG-29K trainer aircraft operating at sea had ditched at about 5 pm on Thursday.
"One pilot has been recovered and search by air and surface units is in progress for the second pilot. An inquiry has been ordered to investigate the incident," the Navy had said.
