Friday, September 23 2005 19:23 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kochi: The wreckage of an aircraft, believed to be Sea Hawk, has been retrieved during the Indo-US joint naval exercise, which concluded here today (Sept 23, 2005).

Though there is no exact information when the aircraft went down, it is believed to have crashed during the 1970s, Commander George Alexander and Commander Tony Sam Jose, Indian and US Naval coordinators respectively told a joint press conference here today.

Replying to a question, Alexander said it was difficult to confirm if it was Sea Hawk as the cockpit and tail section were missing. There are no markings on the aircraft either.

The wreckage of the aircraft, retrieved yesterday (Sep[t 22, 2005) during the sea phase of the exercise, is believed to be Seahawk fighter aircraft, which was in the inventory of the Indian Navy, he said.

The wreckage was sighted during March this year when the Indian Navy was exercising with the French navy, Commander Alexander said.

Commander Doyle K Hodges of the USS Safeguard, which participated in the exercise, said several joint dives were undertaken to recover the wreckage lying at a depth of about 50 metres.

After diving for four days on site, the wreckage was successfully salvaged and has been brought to the harbour on board USS Safeguard, he said.

The 12-day bilateral exercise, called 'SALVEX', began on September 12 off Kochi and was part of the 'Malabar series of exercises' being conducted by the two navies.

The harbour phase of the exercise included joint diving, training and professional discussions between the two navies. The Indian side had the opportunity to witness the operating procedures and diving schedules of the US Navy. The teams also shared experiences in the field of Diving and Salvage, Commander San Jose said.

The US naval personnel also visited Indian navy's diving school at Kochi and they took part in various sports and social activities.

The sea phase of the exercise, extended over four days, was held about 24 Nautical miles off Kochi coast.

They said 'SALVEX' had provided a valuable opportunity for the two navies to interact professionally in various spheres of salvage and diving operations.

The Indian navy diving team and INS Matanga under commander Sanjay Sakpal participated in the exercise.