The search for the three crew members is in progress after an Indian Coast Guard (ICG) helicopter on a rescue mission with four air crew onboard was forced to make an emergency landing at sea, officials of the Indian Coast Guard said on Tuesday.

The incident occurred on Monday night after the ICG launched an operation around 11 pm to evacuate an injured crew member onboard a tanker which was sailing close to Porbandar, the ICG said in a statement.

While one crew has been recovered the search for the remaining three crew is in progress, it said.

Specifically, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) which saved 67 lives during recent cyclonic weather in Gujarat was launched around 11 pm on September 2, 24 for medical evacuation of a seriously injured crew onboard an Indian-flagged motor tanker, about 45 kms from Porbandar into sea, in response to a request received from the master of the vessel.

ICG ALH helicopter with four air crew onboard, during the said operation reportedly was forced to make an emergency landing at sea.

According to the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) release on September 3, one crew has been recovered and search for the remaining three crew is in progress.

As it is reported by the ICG, the aircraft wreckage has been located.

The incident happened whilst the helicopter was approaching the vessel for the evacuation. The coast guard added that it had deployed four ships, and two aircraft for search mission.