Helicopter Crashes Into Sea Near Mayabunder, All 7 Rescued

A Pawan Hans helicopter carrying seven people crashed into the sea near Mayabunder in Andaman on February 24, 2026. The accident happened around 9.30 am, shortly after takeoff. All passengers and crew members were rescued safely and shifted to hospital. Officials say a technical snag forced the pilot to make a crash landing in the sea.

What Exactly Happened

The helicopter had taken off from Sri Vijaya Puram at around 8.45 am. It was heading toward its destination when something went wrong mid-air. Within less than an hour, around 9.30 am, the aircraft went down into the sea near Mayabunder in North and Middle Andaman district.

According to a senior Civil Aviation official, a preliminary inquiry suggests there was a technical issue. The pilot reportedly attempted a controlled crash landing on water. That decision may have saved lives.

Moments like this test skill and nerve. The pilot seems to have acted fast.

All Seven Onboard Safe

There were seven people onboard, including the pilot and crew members. Civil Aviation Director Nitesh Rawat confirmed that everyone has been rescued. That is the biggest relief in this entire incident.

The injured were taken to Dr Rajendra Prasad Hospital in Mayabunder for treatment. Officials said statements from the pilot are yet to be recorded. Authorities are also trying to shift the injured to Sri Vijaya Puram for further care if needed.

Though injuries were reported, no fatalities occurred. That matters most.

Rescue Operation In Mid-Sea

The helicopter went down into the sea, which could have made rescue difficult. Sea conditions, timing, and quick response all play a role in such cases. Thankfully, rescue teams reached in time.

All passengers were pulled out from mid-sea and transported for medical treatment. Local authorities acted quickly. In remote island regions like Andaman, speed is critical.

The situation could have been worse. It was not.

Inquiry Has Begun

Officials confirmed that a formal inquiry has been initiated. Aviation authorities will examine the aircraft, maintenance records, pilot inputs, and technical systems.

At this stage, the focus is on understanding what caused the technical snag. Mechanical fault, system error, or something else entirely. Only investigation will clarify.

Officials from Pawan Hans, the central public sector undertaking based in Noida, could not immediately be reached for comment.

About Pawan Hans And Regional Connectivity

Pawan Hans operates helicopter services in several remote and strategic regions of India, including the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. These services are important. They connect difficult terrains where road or rail is not possible.

Helicopters are often lifelines in island territories. They transport officials, civilians, and emergency supplies. Safety in such operations becomes even more crucial.

Incidents like this raise questions, but also highlight the importance of trained pilots and emergency response.

Why This Incident Matters

A helicopter crash into the sea sounds terrifying. And it is. But what stands out here is that all seven survived. That tells a different story too. A story of quick thinking and coordinated rescue.

Aviation safety remains under constant watch in India. Every accident leads to stricter checks and review. This case will likely do the same.

For now, families of those onboard can breathe again. The sea swallowed the aircraft, but not the lives inside it. And that, honestly, is what counts most today.