Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Feb 2: The Indian Coast Guard conducted a mock drill, "Day at Sea", near the New Mangaluru Port in the Arabian Sea on Sunday, February 2. The exercise showcased rapid response operations, including disaster management at sea, detection of sea pirates, and rescue operations for fishing boats and fishermen in distress.
The event was held as part of the 49th Raising Day (Foundation Day) celebrations of the Indian Coast Guard. Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot graced the occasion, while around 400 Coast Guard personnel participated in the drill.
The governor, along with Karnataka Legislative Assembly speaker U T Khader, deputy commissioner Mullai Muhilan, police commissioner Anupam Agrawal, and other dignitaries, media representatives, and guests, boarded the Coast Guard ship
Varaha from the New Mangaluru Port. They traveled 20 nautical miles (1 nautical mile equals 1.8 km) into the sea to witness the mock drill.
The exercise involved six vessels, including the offshore patrol vessel (OPV) Varaha from Mangaluru, another OPV C-408 from Kochi, three fast patrol vessels (FPVs) – Amartya, Rajdoot, and Savitribai Phule – two interceptor boats, and a Chetak helicopter.
Similar to the Indian Navy's naval day celebrations, the Coast Guard conducts such mock drills annually to mark its Raising Day. The Coast Guard is responsible for patrolling deep seas, search and rescue operations, monitoring illegal activities, and providing emergency medical assistance within 200 nautical miles.
Commander K V Boniman of the Varaha ship informed that rehearsals for the drill were conducted on January 28 and 29.
Firing at sea
The FPVs Amartya, Rajdoot, and Savitribai Phule, along with two interceptor boats and the helicopter, demonstrated how the Coast Guard fires warning shots to deter pirate ships or intruders.
Rescue operations
The drill also included a mock rescue operation using life rafts deployed from OPVs and FPVs to save people from a ship or fishing boat on fire. These life rafts, carried by patrol vessels, can rescue up to 20 people at a time and are equipped with essential food and medical kits.
The helicopter showcased rescue operations using ropes and rescue baskets, while naval guns were fired as part of the drill. Captain Shahnawaz led the Varaha ship.
Guard of honour for Governor, Speaker
Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot and legislative assembly speaker U T Khader arrived at the New Mangaluru Port and boarded the Varaha ship.
After receiving a guard of honor from Coast Guard officers and personnel, the speaker disembarked shortly. The governor remained on board for about four hours, witnessing the mock drill conducted 20 nautical miles from the coast.
DIG Praveen Kumar Mishra, district head of the Coast Guard, was also present.