RAM NAIK EXPRESSES DEEP SHOCK OVER HELICOPTER CRASH

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Shri Ram Naik, Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas has in a statement here today expressed deep shock and profound grief at the tragedy in which a MI-72 helicopter operated by M/s Mesco carrying twenty nine persons including four crew members met an unfortunate accident in the Mumbai Offshore. Amongst the passengers were twenty three ONGC staffers while two belonged to one of ONGC’s contractors working in Mumbai High. The helicopter had taken off from ONGC’s drilling rig Sagar Kiran and was on its way to Sagar Jyoti. The incident took place at about 12.15 in the afternoon, today.

Shri Naik informed that immediately after the incident rescue teams consisting of three Offshore Supply Vehicles (OSV), one Multipurpose Support Vessel (MSV) and four helicopters belonging to the ONGC, Navy and Coast Guard were pressed into service. When reports last came in, these teams had rescued three survivors of whom the condition of one was reported to be critical. One body had also been recovered. The relief and rescue teams were still on the job searching for survivors. The Minister expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. Shri Ram Naik said, "I have requested the Ministry of Civil Aviation to get an inquiry conducted into the circumstances of the incident immediately".

ONGC uses the services of helicopters to carry its manpower and provide logistic support for its exploration and production operations in the offshore areas. Most of the helicopters hired by ONGC are owned by Pawan Hans Corporation Limited. In case of additional requirements, these are met from private sources as well as the Air Force.

On hearing the news of accident, Shri Ram Naik has rushed to the site of accident to oversee the relief and rescue operations.