- DG S. Paramesh Reaffirms Collective Resolve to Safeguard Lives at Sea
- Awards presented to outstanding SAR Units; focus on technology, coordination and maritime safety
NE DEFENCE BUREAU
GANDHINAGAR, NOV 10
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on Monday organised the 23rd National Maritime Search and Rescue (NMSAR) Board Meeting in Gandhinagar, bringing together top maritime and aviation stakeholders to strengthen India’s maritime safety and emergency response network.
As the nodal agency for coordinating Maritime and Aeronautical Search and Rescue (SAR) operations within the Indian Search and Rescue Region (ISRR), the ICG continues to play a pivotal role in protecting lives and ensuring safety at sea.
Director General S. Paramesh, AVSM, PTM, TM, Director General, Indian Coast Guard and Chairperson of the NMSAR Board, presided over the meeting. In his address, the DG commended the collective efforts of all participating agencies and reaffirmed India’s commitment to maritime safety.
“Search and Rescue is not just an operational responsibility but a sacred duty. Every life saved at sea strengthens our national resolve and reflects India’s unwavering commitment to the global maritime community,” said DG S. Paramesh.
The meeting also saw the presentation of the National Search and Rescue Awards for 2023–2024, recognising exemplary contributions to maritime rescue operations.
- MV He Yuan Shun 89, a Panama-flagged vessel, received the award in the Merchant Vessel category.
- The Indian Fishing Boat Kedarnath Bhole was honoured in the Fishing Boat category.
- ICG Ship Rajveer won the award for the Government-owned SAR Unit category.
- The Vessel Traffic System (VTS) of the Mumbai Port Authority and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) were jointly felicitated in the Ashore Unit category.
The 23rd NMSAR Board discussions focused on enhancing inter-agency coordination, leveraging modern communication technologies, and strengthening India’s SAR architecture to achieve faster response times and safer maritime operations.
Since its inception, the Indian Coast Guard has conducted 4,203 SAR missions, saving 11,805 lives and carrying out 495 medical evacuations — equivalent to one life saved every alternate day. In the past year alone, the ICG undertook 119 missions, rescuing 108 lives and conducting 14 medical evacuations.
The meeting witnessed active participation from key stakeholders including the Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, ISRO, INCOIS, Airports Authority of India, and the Directorate General of Shipping, among others. Interactive sessions and presentations enabled the exchange of best practices, reaffirming the shared vision of “Safer Seas and Secure Coasts.”
“Our strength lies in synergy. By combining technology, teamwork, and timely response, India is building one of the most efficient maritime SAR frameworks in the world,” DG Paramesh emphasized.
