Navy Personnel Honored for Alchemist Aircraft Rescue in Seraikela

DC and SP commend Navy’s daring rescue; condolences offered for victims.

Navy officers and personnel involved in the Alchemist Aviation aircraft rescue were recognized by the Seraikela administration for their bravery.

SERAIKELA – Navy officers and personnel who participated in the Alchemist Aviation aircraft rescue were honored by the Seraikela DC.

On Tuesday, Deputy Commissioner Ravishankar Shukla and SP Mukesh Kumar Lunayat presented commendation certificates, bouquets, and mementos to the Navy team in recognition of their efforts.

DC Shukla stated, “This was an extremely challenging operation, and the Navy personnel executed it with outstanding courage and skill.”

The recognition was extended due to the Navy’s role in the complex operation to recover the crashed Alchemist Aviation aircraft.

Former state secretary of the Ex-Servicemen Council, Sushil Kumar Singh, who was also present, remarked, “The operation was like searching for a needle in a haystack, but our forces once again proved their mettle.”

The DC also expressed deep condolences for the deceased, saying, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of trainer Captain Jeet Shatru Azad and trainee pilot Subrodeep Dutta.”

The aircraft had crashed into Chandil Dam after taking off from Sonari Airport on August 20, resulting in the tragic deaths.

A special Navy rescue team from Visakhapatnam, summoned by MoS Defense Sanjay Seth, successfully retrieved the aircraft after five days of intense efforts.

The operation culminated in the retrieval of the wreckage after a grueling 12-hour effort on the seventh day.