What is a Mayday Call? Understanding the Emergency Distress Signal

Following its Mayday call, Air India 171 tragically crashed just five minutes after take-off in Ahmedabad on Thursday. Here's what a Mayday call means and how it originated.

• Mayday is a voice-distress signal from the French m’aider
• It was introduced in 1923 and adopted internationally in 1927
• Air India AI171 issued a Mayday call before crashing, triggering emergency response

An Air India Boeing 7878 (Flight AI171), carrying 242 people, crashed five minutes after take-off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

It issued a Mayday call shortly before going silent -- and then plummeted into a building near Meghani Nagar, erupting in black smoke and fire.

In the case of Air India AI171, the Mayday call confirmed the crew faced a sudden, critical event shortly after take-off, even while ATC still maintained contact.

Once issued, this signal instantly triggers emergency protocols, dispatching fire, medical, and security services to the scene.

HOW A MAYDAY CALL WORKS

When a pilot says “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday”, they’re declaring a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate help. All non-essential radio traffic must stand down, and air traffic control (ATC) prioritises that call.

Pilots then provide key details -- call sign, location, nature of emergency, number of people aboard, and requests -- so rescue teams can act fast.

When in grave danger, pilots, sailors, and emergency personnel use the Mayday call—a universally recognized distress signal. But what exactly does it mean, and when is it used? Let’s break it down.

Origin of the Mayday Call

The term "Mayday" comes from the French phrase "m’aider" (short for "venez m’aider"), meaning "help me." It was adopted in 1927 by Frederick Stanley Mockford, a senior radio officer at London’s Croydon Airport, to ensure clarity in emergencies, especially in multilingual aviation environments.

When is a Mayday Call Used?

A Mayday call signals a life-threatening emergency, such as:

• Aircraft engine failure
• Ship sinking
• Medical emergencies onboard
• Any situation requiring immediate rescue

It is only used when there is serious and imminent danger to life or the vessel.

How is a Mayday Call Made?

The procedure follows a strict protocol:

1. Say "Mayday" three times (Mayday, Mayday, Mayday).
2. State the vessel/aircraft name and call sign three times.
3. Provide:Location (coordinates or landmarks)Nature of emergencyNumber of people onboardAny other critical details
4. End with "Over" and wait for a response.

Example of a Mayday Call:

"Mayday, Mayday, Mayday! This is MV Ocean Star, MV Ocean Star, MV Ocean Star. Our position is 15° North, 75° East. We are taking on water and sinking. 12 crew members onboard. Request immediate assistance. Over."

Mayday vs. Pan-Pan: What’s the Difference?

• Mayday = Life-threatening emergency (e.g., fire, hull breach).
• Pan-Pan (from French "panne" – breakdown) = Urgent but not life-threatening (e.g., mechanical failure without immediate danger).

Who Responds to a Mayday Call?

• Aviation: Air traffic control and nearby aircraft.
• Maritime: Coast Guard and nearby ships.
• Global Coordination: Rescue teams use the signal to locate and assist the distressed party.

Why is the Mayday Call Important?

• Standardized globally for quick recognition.
• Prioritized over all other radio traffic to save lives.
• Prevents miscommunication in high-stress situations.

Final Thoughts

The Mayday call is a vital distress signal that has saved countless lives. Whether at sea or in the air, its clear and urgent nature ensures rapid response in critical situations.

Did You Know? The Mayday call must never be misused—false alarms can divert resources from real emergencies and may lead to legal consequences.