An AN-32 aircraft of the Indian Air Force with 29 people on board went missing over the Bay of Bengal on Friday, Defence Ministry officials said.

The aircraft was flying from Chennai to Port Blair. Those on board included six crew members. 

Officials said it was “courier flight" with service personnel on board. 

A major search and rescue operation has been launched by the Indian Navy in the Bay of Bengal. 

Navy officials said that one P-8I surveillance aircraft, one Dornier and four ships have been deployed in the search and rescue operation and more assets are being dispatched.