R ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, FEB 25
As part of events planned to celebrate 48th Raising day of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), a ‘Day at Sea’ event was conducted by the ICG Regional Headquarters off Chennai harbour on Sunday.
On this occasion, various distinguished guests, including families of ICG personnel, officials from TN State Administration, Port, CISF, civil and private organizations were invited to sail on ships to witness operational prowess and ICG capabilities at sea. The programme aimed to display the maritime prowess of the Indian Coast Guard, said Inspector General Donny Michael, Commander of the Indian Coast Guard’s Eastern Region.
Addressing reporters at ICGS Shourya on the sidelines of the programme, the IG said that the annual programme was last held in 2018. Due to the pandemic and few other reasons it was not held for the 4 years. The programme opened to service personnel and their families and general public is being conducted for three days from Saturday, he added.
- ICG demonstrates its firepower by lowering a mock target into sea which was sunk by ships using weapons of various calibre, including recently the inducted fully remote controlled SRCG gun
- The event also showcases fire-fighting capabilities of ICG ships at sea and aerial replenishment exercises by helicopters
- ICG had saved more than 700 lives during the recent floods at Chennai and Tuticorin in addition to distribution of more than 900 kgs of relief materials to the marooned personnel
The event commenced early morning when eight ships of the Indian Coast Guard, with about 1,500 guests embarked, sailed out from Chennai harbour for a half day voyage. Once at a safe distance from port, ICG ships, aircraft and helicopters demonstrated various evolutions showcasing operational capabilities of the maritime force.
These diverse activities commenced with high-speed manoeuvres by interceptor boats, formation manoeuvres by large ships, simultaneous Search and Rescue of twin survivors at sea by two Coast Guard ALH Helicopters and a low pass fly past by CG Dornier Aircraft. ICG also demonstrated its firepower by lowering a mock target into sea which was sunk by ships using weapons of various calibre including recently the inducted fully remote controlled SRCG gun.
The event also showcased fire-fighting capabilities of ICG ships at sea and aerial replenishment exercises by helicopters. The embarked guests were thrilled to witness such large scale operations, which is rarely available to personnel from civil society.
The Indian Coast Guard, which one amongst the largest Coast Guard in the world, is entrusted with safeguarding life and property at sea. ICG is also entrusted to protect country’s economic interests in Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) extending up to 200 Nm from land.
The ICG is also the nodal agency for Search and Rescue at sea in Indian Search and Rescue Region (ISRR) extending 4.6 Million Sq Km. As you may be aware, ICG had saved more than 700 lives during the recent floods at Chennai and Tuticorin in addition to distribution of more than 900 kgs of relief materials to the marooned personnel.
Raised in 1978, Coast Guard is celebrating its 48th raising Day this year. From a humble beginning of only two ships, ICG today has more than 150 Ships and about 78 aircraft in its inventory.
In order to fulfil its diverse charter of duties, ICG maintain close liaison with various central and state agencies such as Police, Fisheries, Customs and Port authorities. ICG is also engaged in building strong working relationship with coastal community especially with the fishermen, whom it considers as its Eyes and Ears at sea. Towards this end, regular community interaction programs are organized by Coast Guard at fishing villages along the coastline to spread awareness on safe practices and surviving techniques at sea.
