Kozhikode (Kerala), July 23 (IANS): As search for the missing AN-32 IAF aircraft with 29 people on board is on, the family and friends of two Kerala defence officials who were on the plane are praying fervently and hoping to hear some good news.

The last that the anxious relatives heard from Naik I.P.Vimal and Petty Officer Sajeev Kumar, who hail from Kozhikode, was that they are about to board the aircraft bound for Port Blair.

The aircraft disappeared over the Bay of Bengal on Friday morning after taking off from Chennai. Several ships and aircraft are searching for the plane in the Bay of Bengal.

Kumar was here last month for a brief treatment. On Friday, he reached Tambaram airfield from Bengaluru to return to Port Blair where he lives with his wife and kid.

"We are all waiting to hear some good news. We had spend some time together when he was here last," a friend of Kumar told the media. He added that Kumar's wife had called up from Port Blair to inform them soon after the flight went missing.

Vimal, according to relatives, was posted at Port Blair very recently. He was here last week.

State Minister for Transport A.K. Saseendran and his cabinet colleague, Excise Minister T.P. Ramakrishnan, visited the homes of Kumar's parents and Vimal's wife here.

Speaking to IANS, Saseendran said the Chief Minister has asked Chief Secretary S.M. Vijayanand to keep track of the developments and to coordinate with defence officials and keep the two families informed.

"I met the parents of Kumar and also the wife of Vimal this morning," said the Minister.