COLOMBO. Nov 10: A Srl Lankan government helicopter gunship crashed off the northeastern coast Monday and the air force fears it was shot down by ethnic Tamil guerillas, military officials say. reports AP.

The Ukrainian-built MI-24 helicopter, known as the Hind to NATO forces, was searching for rebel boats in the Indian Ocean when it went missing at noon (0600 GMT) after taking off from a nearby air base, said air force officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Search planes were looking for wreckage and any sign of the 4-member crew near Kokkilai village In the Trincomalee district. officials said. The area is 255 kilometres (155 miles) northeast of the capital. Colombo. Officials earlier said there were five on board.

'Sri Lanka's tiny air force, which has less than 40 aircraft, has lost nine planes and helicopters already this year, including another Hind on March 19.

A fleet of six Hinds were leased from Ukraine three years ago.