Indian Coast Guard showcases search and rescue prowess on high seas
The Hindu
Indian Coast Guard showcases search and rescue capabilities in high seas with modern equipment and efficient operations.
The Indian Coast Guard demonstrated its prowess in searching and rescuing men and material in distress in high seas as 5 ICG ships, a Dornier aircraft and an Advanced Light Helicopter, participated in the well-coordinated regional search and rescue operations held 12 nautical miles off Thoothukudi coast on Friday.
The ICG showcased its search and rescue operation capabilities in front of a select group of journalists and heads of various government departments in Thoothukudi district after taking them to the high seas in 98.20-meter-long Indian Coast Guard Ship Vajra, a 3-year-old offshore patrol vessel sailing with 95 men and 13 officers.
The flagship is fitted with modern weapons, sensors and state-of-the-art equipment, which has enabled her to maintain an operational availability of 95%. ICGS Vajra has played a pivotal role in maritime security and search and rescue operations in the region, travelling over 2 lakh nautical miles, and in addition, calling two friendly countries as a show of diplomacy and friendship.
The ship is provided with two sea boats, two quick rigid inflatable boats along with one Gemini craft for the purpose of conducting operations such as boarding and search and rescue. The ship is fitted with two High Holding Power AC-14 Bower anchors. Each anchor is weighing 1,444 kg. The ship is powered by two 9 MW MTU diesel engines enabling her to achieve speed of 24 knots (50 km per hour) with an endurance of over 11,000 km.
Also, it is equipped with an external firefighting system with a water throw of about 150 m and up to the height of 50 meters for dousing fire on another vessel. In addition, a Global Maritime Distress Safety System equipment for transmission and receiving emergency distress messages is also fitted onboard.
The ship is also equipped with pollution response equipment for combating oil spill at sea and houses a dedicated medical emergency room. The ship is capable of operating twin engine ‘Advanced Light Helicopter’; and single engine Chetak chopper.
Apart from ICGS Vajra, the Friday’s exercise included ICGS Vaibhav, ICGS Atulya, ICGS Aadesh, ICGS Abhiraj, CG Dornier and ALH MK-III helicopter.
Madurai's ancient trade routes and global connections revealed through historical evidence, presented by R. Poongundran at a research seminar.
Communist Party leader Muneer Katipalla was chosen unopposed as the secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) Dakshina Kannada district unit in the recently concluded district meet in Mangaluru.
Jharkhand reaffirms faith in INDIA alliance with pro-people governance, as Telangana Deputy CM expresses gratitude for historic mandate.
NDA sweeps Bihar bypolls with 52.83% voter turnout, defeating opposition parties, including Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj party.
Stakeholders in Mysuru propose long-term development plans, emphasizing heritage preservation, urban planning, and industrial growth.
Supreme Court judge emphasises the need for improved infrastructure in district judiciary for efficient justice delivery system.
Discussion on forming 'Greater Mysuru City Corporation' for integrated development and improved civic amenities in Mysuru.
Yadgir district's education sector challenges discussed in Karnataka Development Programme meeting, highlighting issues and proposed solutions.
IIT-Hyderabad Runners' Club will organise a grand half marathon on December 1, with multiple categories for all levels.
Collector Sridhar Cherukuri engages with public during 'Palle Nidra' initiative, interacts with school, village secretariat, and SHG members.
“Kaavi Kale is a method-based art without rigid forms, allowing for diverse artistic influences,” said Janardhan Rao Havanje, an artist and researcher in Kaavi Kale on Friday.