Navy spots copter wreckage

MUMBAI, June 1: Hectic operations are underway at Bombay High to recover the debris of Pawan Hans Dauphin helicopter which crashed on May 25 after Naval vessels had pinpointed the wreckage late this afternoon.According to sources at Bombay High oil fields, the offshore vessel MSV Samudra Suraksha was being positioned to carry out salvaging operations to recover the wreckage from the bottom of the sea. An underwater bell was also being readied as deep-sea divers were preparing for the sub-sea operations, sources added The Defence spokesman Capt. C K Singh told the Express Newsline that the Navy was assisting in the reconnaissance operation. He, however, could not confirm which vessels were taking part in the mission.Earlier, three offshore vessels which were near the crash site. MV Samudra Suraksha continued to scour the surrounding seas for the wreckage as it was fitted with a massive crane and other modern equipments. However, the Oil and Natural Gas Commission officials could not provide details about the rescue operations when contacted by the reporter in the evening.