CG Commander Shankar Man Rai conferred Nao Sena Medal

On 04 Aug 11, 842 Sqn (Coast Guard) based at Mumbai was ordered to undertake Search And Rescue (SAR) operations to rescue personnel from MV Rak Carrier which was reported to be sinking about 26 nautical miles from Prongs Light house. Displaying alacrity and leadership, Cdr Shankar Man Rai, as the First Pilot and Captain of the Aircraft of CG 811, displayed extraordinary courage and professional skills of a very high order wherein he undertook rescue of 15 personnel from a rapidly sinking merchant vessel.

During the 20 min transit time seawards to the site, the aircraft encountered drizzle and low clouds with winds in excess of 25 knots that had reduced visibility to 800 m. The vessel in distress was located with nearly half of the forward section of the ship underwater. Arriving over the vessel, Cdr Shankar Man Rai swiftly and expertly maneuvered the helicopter over the acutely restricted space on the quarterdeck and despite being severely buffeted by the heavily turbulent airflow caused by the strong surface winds, lowered one ACMD for coordinating the rescue winching ops. By 0930h after confirming the ship’s crew were ready, he commenced the rescue operation of 15 personnel that were remaining onboard the sinking ship. The only area available for winching was just forward of the superstructure and fraught with danger as the helicopter barely fitted within the tight space hovering merely six feet away from the ship’s crane.

Time was of essence since the ship was sinking inches with every passing minute and the helicopter could take only 03 survivors at a time. As the nearest land was 20 min flying time away, Cdr Shankar Man Rai exhibiting incisive presence of mind, decided to evacuate the rescued personnel to the closest cargo vessel which was 04 Nm distant. This way he expeditiously undertook a total of five trips between the sinking vessel and the cargo ship rescuing 15 personnel. Both points of the trip called for extreme precision in handling the aircraft as the danger of helicopter colliding during hover whilst winching up, or falling off the container whilst landing was omnipresent due to sea state three.

The 90 min daring rescue operation was audaciously undertaken 26 nm into sea in marginal conditions of visibility at 800m and heavy winds of 25 knots flying a single-engine Chetak helicopter. The risk was exacerbated with dangerous flying conditions of repeatedly manoeuvring a fully laden helicopter into constricted spaces on a ship in sea state three whilst the light helicopter was severely buffeted with winds and sea-spray. The officer’s bravery and unwavering resolve in the rescue operation with scant regard to his personal safety are in the spirit of the highest traditions of the service.

Commander Shankar Man Rai has been awarded ‘Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry)’ on 63rd Republic Day for exceptional courage and initiative in the face of great danger.