Navy ditches UAV in sea after engine malfunction

New Delhi, July 27 (IANS) A Searcher reconnaissance UAV of Indian Navy, on a routine sortie, had to be ditched around 9 miles off Kerala's Kochi on Wednesday following an "engine malfunction", an official statement said.

According to officials, the remotely-piloted vehicle was on a routine mission sortie.

The UAV took off from INS Garuda at 6.35 p.m., but following a "critical engine malfunction", a controlled ditching was undertaken at sea at around 7.30 p.m., an official statement said.

"It was a controlled ditching. A board of inquiry has been ordered to investigate the incident," an official said.

Efforts are being made to recover the UAV and ships of Indian Navy and Coast Guard are proceeding to the area along with Dorniers of Coast Guard and Navy, and an Advanced Light Helicopter.

The depth in area is around 24 meters, official sources said adding that divers and equipment is also being sent for assistance.