
Coast Guard carries out ‘search and rescue’ exercise off the Karaikal coast to test its operational efficiency
The Hindu
Simulating a major maritime distress scenario involving a ferry, the Indian Coast Guard Regional Headquarters (East) carried out a “search and rescue exercise” (SAREX-25), off the Karaikal coast on Thursday, to test operational efficiency and enhance inter-agency coordination
Simulating a major maritime distress scenario involving a ferry, the Indian Coast Guard Regional Headquarters (East) carried out a “search and rescue exercise” (SAREX-25), off the Karaikal coast on Thursday, to test the operational efficiency and enhance inter-agency coordination.
Conducted by ICG Station Karaikal, the exercise simulated a maritime distress scenario involving a ferry vessel HSC Shivgangai while transiting from Nagapattinam to Sri Lanka and the response by way of a search and rescue operation.
“The simulated scenario involved a fire breaking on board the ferry, resulting in multiple casualties and necessitating immediate mass rescue operations,” a press release from the ICG said.
The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre was immediately activated and ICG assets, including ICGS Ameya, ICGS Annie Besant, ICGS Rani Avantibai, interceptor boats, a Dornier aircraft, and a Chetak helicopter were rapidly deployed along with the support for local authorities.
Various agencies, including the Indian Navy, the district administration in Karaikal, Nagapattinam, and Mayiladuthurai, Fire and Rescue Services, Customs, Port, and medical teams from local hospitals participated in the exercise. Fire fighting, medical evacuation, and triage simulations were executed with precision.
Deputy Inspector-General S.S. Dasila, Commander of Coast Guard District Headquarters 13, underlined the importance of inter-agency coordination and ICG’s pivotal role in saving lives at sea. Such exercises were essential for maintaining readiness and enhancing capabilities to safeguard life and property in maritime zones, he said.
The Collectors of Karaikal and Nagapattinam districts, Soma Shekhar Appa Rao, and P. Akash, respectively, witnessed the exercise. The exercise concluded with a debriefing, highlighting the lessons learnt and best practices, the release added.