NE SPORTS BUREAU
CHENNAI, FEB 22
A Kayaking expedition to circumnavigate Rameshwaram Island was organized by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Station Mandapam from Monday to Wednesday, 19th to 21st February 2024. The expedition was supported by Quest Adventure Sports Academy and Ocean Ambassadors Foundation at Manadapm.
A Kayaking expedition to circumnavigate #Rameshwaram Island organized by @IndiaCoastGuard with Dist. Admin, Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu Forest & Fisheries Dept. Three Kayakers including a Lady officer from #ICG covered 80 Km braving intense heat & rough sea.@giridhararamane pic.twitter.com/1LeQRMdpZ3
— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) February 21, 2024
Two Indian Coast Guard Officers, including a woman Officer and a volunteer from Ocean Ambassador Foundation undertook the challenging expedition, covering an arduous voyage of 80 km on Kayaks to circumnavigate the Rameshwaram Island. The expedition started from Lands End (Dhanushkodi) on Monday and culminated at the same place on Wednesday. In the last leg of voyage, over 50 kayakers from Indian Coast Guard, Forest Department and Ocean Ambassadors Foundation joined the three Kayakers towards completion of the three-day expedition.
- The aim of this expedition is to celebrate the spirit of unity, adventure and spread awareness amongst coastal populace on coastal security, sustainable fishing practices and safety at sea
- In the last leg of voyage, over 50 kayakers from Indian Coast Guard, Forest Department and Ocean Ambassadors Foundation join the three Kayakers towards completion of the three-day expedition
The aim of this expedition was to celebrate the spirit of unity, adventure and spread awareness amongst coastal populace on coastal security, sustainable fishing practices and safety at sea.
The Challenge in Snippets. @IndiaCoastGuard pic.twitter.com/waNiydA9ia
— Defence PRO Chennai (@Def_PRO_Chennai) February 22, 2024
The three Kayakers from Indian Coast Guard who undertook the full 80 km voyage underwent rigorous training and preparation before the commencement of expedition. This involved two-weeks training in blue water kayaking at Aqua Node Centre of Indian Coast Guard and Quest Adventure Sports Academy at Mandapam. The training covered finer aspects of weather forecasting, offshore navigation, safety at sea, rescue, provisioning and communication techniques.
During the expedition, the kayakers encountered difficult conditions such as strong head winds off around 20 knots and rough sea state which proved to be very challenging for small kayaks powered by human strength. The kayakers also braved the scorching heat and pitch dark conditions during night to complete this difficult challenge. The current expedition by Indian Coast Guard is first of its kind. Breaking barriers, the kayakers achieved the extraordinary feat of completing “Rameshwaram Parikrama” in three days.
The expedition also involved community interaction program conducted by Indian Coast Guard in coordination with Tamil Nadu Forest Department to raise awareness among fishermen about importance of adhering to International Maritime Border and avoiding fishing in No Fishing Zones. The community interaction also aimed to inform fishing community about safety measures and the protection of life and property at sea.
On successful completion of the expedition, the kayakers were received at Lands End Dhanushkodi by Commandant Md Shahnawaz, TM, Commanding Officer Indian Coast Guard Station Mandapam. He congratulated all members and complimented their spirit of adventure to undertake and complete such a challenging expedition.
