- President Droupadi Murmu awards President’s Tatrakshak Medal (PTM) and Tatrakshak Medal (TM) to six outstanding Indian Coast Guard (ICG) personnel
- The President awards Tatrakshak Medal (Gallantry) to ICG helicopter pilots Commandant Sunil Dutt and Commandant(JG) Saurabh in recognition to their exceptional bravery
NE NEWS SERVICE
GANDHINAGAR, NEW DELHI, JAN 26
President Droupadi Murmu has approved President’s Tatrakshak Medal (PTM) and Tatrakshak Medal (TM) to six outstanding Indian Coast Guard (ICG) personnel for their act of conspicuous gallantry, exceptional devotion to duty, distinguished/meritorious service on the eve of 75th Republic Day.
President’s Tatrakshak Medal (Distinguished Service)
IG Bhisham Sharma, TM (0247-L)
Tatrakshak Medal (Gallantry)
Comdt Sunil Dutt (0662-D) and Comdt (JG) Saurabh (0735-S)
Tatrakshak Medal (Meritorious Service)
DIG Anil Kumar Parayil (0265-C), DIG Jamal Taha (4085-J) and Dipak Roy, P/Adh (AR), 01111-Z
The President has awarded Tatrakshak Medal (Gallantry) to ICG helicopter pilots Commandant Sunil Dutt and Commandant (JG) Saurabh in recognition to their exceptional bravery during rescue of 50 crew of Jack-up Rig Key Singapore in the midst of Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm Biparjoy in the Arabian Sea in Gujarat.
The oil rig is situated approximately 50km seaward from Okha. On June 12 last year, during the onset of Cyclone Biparjoy, the crew of the rig asked for immediate evacuation in view of impeding threat to their live. The aforementioned pilots undeterred of cyclonic weather conditions launched ICG helicopter CG 858 from Rajkot PM. They experienced winds of >80kmph, visibility <500m, strong convective activity and heavy rains enroute the passage to rig. It took 07 heroic sorties to rescue the entire 50 men crew of the rig.
This feat accomplished by the ICG pilots is special as neither of them had any previous experience of landing on the helipad of that oil rig. Nevertheless, their insurmountable courage overcame all extreme adversities and led to huge glory. The incident also involved tireless efforts by the ground staff and seamless liaison with military/ civil authorities by the ICG shore establishments.
These distinguished individuals have played a pivotal role in safeguarding maritime boundaries, responding to emergencies at sea, and contributing significantly to the nation’s maritime security framework. Their dedication of duty, even in adverse conditions, reflects the highest standards of service and embodies the spirit of the Indian Coast Guard. These awards stands as a tribute to the courage and commitment of the ICG personnel who work tirelessly to provide safe & secure sea to all mariners and uphold the values of the nation.
The safe and professional evacuation is a shining example of ICG assets living upto the motto of “We Protect”.
