A day on rescue training turned into a real-life rescue operation for a group of officers undergoing their rescue training at Subic Bay on 16th January 2007. According to our Chief Engineer, Mr. Raman Wadhwa (ex British Vine) who was involved in the operation, it was a regular day on the Fast Rescue Boat training when the centre was alerted of an aircraft accident in the Subic Bay, Philippines.

Apparently, the engine of the training flight, a Cessna 150, failed on the final approach to the runway and both the Pilot and Trainee Pilot were compelled to ditch the flight. The team from IDESS, under the guidance of their instructor, managed to rescue both the distressed occupants of the flight before the Harbour Patrol Boat arrived to take them to shore for medical attention.

We have also been told that although IDESS staff members have previously participated in various rescue operations in the Subic Bay, this incident was the first time that an actual rescue operation was successfully accomplished by the trainees during their training session!

The trainees were commended for their courageous effort in saving lives and we are pleased to inform that along with Mr Wadhwa, our Chief Engineers, Mr Johny Sebastian (ex British Cygnet) and Mr. Gokula P. Varma (ex British Cormorant) were also involved in the operation.