Srinagar, Mar 17:  The Indian Air Force (IAF) rescued the pilot of Aloutee-III 316 helicopter which crashed in Sonmarg area in the Kashmir valley yesterday.

Three other foreign skiers, who too survived the crash, reached Dachigam after covering the distance on foot.

Information was received from civil administration that a helicopter was lost with three foreign skiers and a pilot on board in Sonmarg area, a Defence Ministry spokesman said.

Air force helicopter with pilots Squadron Leader A S Rajput and Flight Lt S Bhopi immediately started rescue operation. However the operation was called off due to poor visibility.

Three injured skiers, Julien Escoubas (France), Diane Schlegel (Switzerland) and Slyvin Soudan (Switzerland) walked through out the night and reached Dachigam post of the CRPF where they were provided first aid, food and blankets.

He said with the first Ray of light today the resuce operation was relaunched. Since there was no contact with the lost helicopter, the rescue pilots had to search the area in poor visibility due to snow-storm in their fourth daredevil attempt.

The Air Force pilots finally reached the crash site and saved French pilot Captain lucier Brassier, he said.

UNI