Search for missing IAF AN-32 aircraft continues
A total of 12 IN ships and 04 ICG ships along with 17 aircraft from Indian Air Force, Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard have been mobilized towards this operation.
"The weather improved marginally today thereby aiding deployment of additional assets and thereby aiding intensification of the search in a larger area (Map Enclosed). The sea state however continues to be rough thus making the conditions challenging," read an official statement.
The family members of all personnel on board were reached out to by their respective Services and were assured that at this hour of uncertainty they are not alone and the government has mobilized all possible assets in one of the largest operation of its kind.
Various other Government agencies have also been requested to provide satellite imagery of the area to aid the operations which will continue till further review of the situation.
The plane with 29 people on board went missing near Chennai on Friday.
The aircraft departed Tambaram at 0830 hrs with six crew members and 23 passengers.
It was scheduled to arrive at Port Blair at 1145 hrs. The aircraft however did not make any contact with Air Traffic Control of Port Blair andan overdue action was initiated.
The last Radar contact marked by Chennai Air Traffic Radar was East of Chennai at 151 NM. The aircraft was flying at 23000 ft.
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