Search continues for Hari Singh as survival chances grow bleak

Search and rescue operations have been extended for Indian rally legend Hari Singh, who remains missing after a speedboat accident in the Maldives on March 19. Although, with over 72 hours having elapsed since the incident, chances of survival are being ruled out with tributes pouring in from across the motorsport community.

1. Singh remains missing after speedboat accident on March 19
2. Arjuna Awardee captain Mahesh Ramchandran also untraceable
3. Motorsport community shares tributes as chances of survival are being ruled out

Local reports suggest that Raymond Group chairman and managing director Gautam Singhania was behind the wheel of the speedboat when it overturned at high speed with seven people onboard. Singhania suffered minor injuries in the accident and has since returned to Mumbai. Supercar tuning company Racetech India’s Manik Bhimsen Bhardwaj, who was also on the boat, lost his arm in the incident.

We understand that the Maldives government is conducting a thorough investigation to understand what caused the accident.

The Maldives National Defence Force confirmed that two Indian nationals, Hari Singh and Arjuna Awardee Mahesh Ramchandran (the captain of the boat), remain missing. Authorities initially believed that the bodies were trapped within a coral reef in the sea; however, the search yielded no results.

As per Singh’s close associates, who have been in correspondence with local authorities in the Maldives, the search operation has been extended by four days, with teams from the Indian Navy also likely joining the operation.

Tributes pour in for Hari Singh

A towering figure in Indian motorsport, Hari Singh was fondly known as the ‘Flying Sikh’ and ‘Gypsy King’. He won the Indian National Rally championship five times in the 1990s and even won the inaugural Asia Zone Rally Championship. After representing India in multiple international rallying events, he was appointed as JK Tyre Motorsport’s Head of Operations and worked closely with Mercedes-Benz India as a chief instructor. Beyond all his accolades, though, he was also widely regarded as a generous mentor who guided and supported many in the Indian auto industry.

“Everyone knew and loved Hari Singh,” reflected Autocar India’s Editor Hormazd Sorabjee. “He made speed look absolutely effortless; he was God-gifted in his talent and just stood head and shoulder above his peers. The whole motorsport community really loved him. If you met him, he was the sweetest, most humble guy and his nature was extremely helpful.”

“Rally days with him were always special – watching him win with such ease, yet carry it all with quiet grace. And just as effortlessly, he lifted others along the way,” shared Autocar India’s Renuka Kirpalani. 

This incident compounds a period of loss for JK Tyre Motorsport, which is still reeling from the passing of its head, Sanjay Sharma, in February. 

“[Singh] was not just a champion rally driver, but a true legend in Indian motorsport. Always humble and kind, known him for three decades and always had a great flair and a smooth driving style. Utterly dominated the Indian rally scene until the 2000’s. Gone too soon. We send our deepest condolences to his family, friends and everyone whose lives he touched. He will be dearly missed,” Narain Kathikeyan shared on social media.

“He was my hero. I grew up reading about his rallying exploits in magazines and meeting him in person, doing road trips all over the country with him, only elevated his stature in my eyes. He was somebody who I always looked up to. Who always filled me with awe. An upright, straightforward human being that inspired everybody around him,” shared Evo India editor Sirish Chandran.

Automotive historian Adil Jal Darukhanawala recalled the time he spent with Singh at the NCAT speed bowl in 2003 for a national record run with a stock Maruti Alto. “There was no prima donna air about him and he was just glad to be helping out change tyres, fit instruments, help refuel the car, keep us all – mechanics, lap recorders, time keepers and even the very strict but fair Adi Malegham (the FMSCI scrutineer-cum-steward overseeing the record run) in good humour. He was just one of the boys and this trait of his made him stand tall in my eyes,” Darukhanawalla said. “This wonderful handsome giant with a gentle soul that belied his skills behind the wheel of any car will be missed and that thought is something I can’t reconcile myself with.”

In this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers remain with Singh’s family.