Pavan Hans chopper with two pilots crashes off Mumbai coast

Mumbai: Two pilots are feared killed as a Pavan Hans helicopter crashed around 80 nautical miles off south Mumbai on Wednesday evening, officials said here.

The Indian Navy launched search and rescue operations with two Immediate Support Vessels T48 and T50 being rushed to the crash site. The crash took place around 7.30 p.m.

Destroyer INS Mumbai has been despatched to look for survivors.

As per information available with the navy, the chopper was carrying out night landing practice with only two pilots aboard when it crashed and sank.

"The helicopter was carrying out night deck landing practice DLP on SHQ oil platform. 02 pilots on board," a navy official said.

In order to augment the search, one night capable helicopter, Seaking 'C ' was also launched to join the rescue efforts. A second helicopter is being placed on stand by.