IAF retrieves mountaineering rescue team from Arunachal crash site

ITANAGAR | June 30, 2019:

The search and rescue team which was camping at the AN-32 crash site in Arunachal Pradesh since June 12 was retrieved by IAF choppers to Along on June 29 evening at around 5:15 pm.

 The 15-member team comprising of 8 from IAF (including 2 officers), 4 from Army (including 1 officer) and 3 civilians were recovered using ALH and Mi-17V5 helicopters.

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The effort to retrieve them was delayed due to inclement weather and rain, which improved slightly today in the evening, allowing the risky helicopter operations to be undertaken.

"All members are fit and in good health. IAF is thankful to the Indian Army, Arunachal Pradesh State administration, the Police and local civilians for their unflinching support in this search and rescue mission," said Defence officials.

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It may be mentioned that the mountaineers have been camping in the steep gorge of Arunachal mountains since June 12 to retrieve the mortal remains of the 13 IAF crew on board the ill fated AN-32 aircraft which crashed on June 3.