The search for the IAF(Indian Air Force)AN-32 aircraft that has been missing over the Bay of Bengal with 29 on board was on Saturday on in full swing even as Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar reached Chennai to monitor the massive search operation.

The operation is being managed by the Eastern Naval Command. Navy and Coast Guard have deployed one submarine, eight aircraft and 13 ships for tracking the upgraded plane. The search will be widened to 75×75 nautical miles.

The transport plane of the Indian Air Force with 29 people on board, including four officers, went missing on Friday while flying from Chennai to Port Blair. Those on board included six crew members. Officials said it was a “courier flight” with service personnel on board.

One of those in the missing aircraft is Flight Lt Deepika, a lady officer of the IAF. She was on her way to Port Blair to join her husband who is a Coast Guard officer, says a media report.

The aircraft can fly for up to four hours without refilling.