Journos & Host of Guests at ‘Day at Sea’ Event Hosted by Indian Coast Guard (ICG)Karnataka (-Kar), Panambur, Mangaluru Abroad ICG Vessel VIKRAM
Mangaluru: Every year the journos in the City, and a bunch of guests are invited by the IGG-Kar Commander joined by other Coast Guard Personnel to join and have a glimpse of the working of the Indian Coast Guard during the ‘Day at Sea’ organised by it to mark the Coast Guard Raising Day, and this year it was the 48th event in Mangaluru held u on Friday, February 23., and was graced by the Karnataka Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot who witnessed a demonstration of manoeuvres presented by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Headquarters, Karnataka.
The governor, embarking Coast Guard Ship ICGS Vikram from New Mangalore Port (NMP), watched the preparedness of the ICG Headquarters, which presented demonstrations on search and rescue, external fire fighting, Ship/ Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) manoeuvres, firing, steam past and fly past. Coast Guards demonstrated rescuing a fisherman in distress using a helicopter, intercepting pirate ships, saving a ship by dousing fire and other skills using modern techniques at sea about 15 nautical miles from the NMP. ICG officials said two interceptors, two Dornier aircraft, a helicopter, six ships, an offshore patrol vessel (OPV) and three fast patrol vehicles (FPV) were used during the demonstrations.
The governor was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour by the ICG Headquarters. Praveen Kumar Mishra, Karnataka Coast Guard Commander, DK Deputy Commissioner Mullai Muhilan MP, Mangaluru city police commissioner Anupam Agarwal, After the Indian Coast Guard vessel Vikram, with the Governor on board, sailed out from the New Mangalore Port for about five nautical miles in the Arabian Sea, Coast Guard personnel began the demonstrations using interceptor boats Charlie 420 and Charlie 448, which are used in anti-smuggling and anti-piracy operations. The boats displayed their capability of 360-degree manoeuvring. Then, it was the turn of Fast Patrolling Vessels Amartya, Kasturba Rani, and Savitribai Phule to showcase how they intercept pirate boats. The vessels also showed how Coast Guard personnel, who have fallen into the sea following an “exchange of fire with pirates,” are rescued.
The Advanced Light Helicopter and inflatable motorised boats were used in the two demonstrations. The offshore Vikram vessel then sailed ahead to about 13 nautical miles where there was a demonstration of the external fire fighting capability of the ship. The water jets atop the ship were switched on to pump water on the fishing vessel moving ahead. There were demonstrations of manoeuvres of the two Dornier aircraft. The demonstration ended with the interceptor boats and the patrolling vessels firing in the air. Personnel in these vessels later raised their hats with the right hand as a mark of respect to the Governor.
Governor lauds ICG Governor Gehlot underscored the invaluable role played by ICG in protecting the nation’s maritime interests. Extending his warm wishes to all officers, soldiers, and their families, he said, “The ICG stands as the stalwart guardian of our maritime boundaries, ensuring strict adherence to maritime laws.” He emphasized the Coast Guard’s expertise in addressing multifaceted challenges such as search and rescue operations, marine pollution, maritime terrorism, and illegal smuggling, underscoring its indispensable role in ensuring maritime safety and security. He commended the Coast Guard for its commendable efforts in life-saving operations during natural calamities and its proactive initiatives in raising awareness among fishermen regarding safety measures.
He highlighted the strides made by the ICG in bolstering electronic surveillance networks along the Indian coast, with radar stations operational in strategic locations like Surathkal, Bhatkal, Belikeri, and Kundapur in Karnataka. Acknowledging the Indian Coast Guard’s international engagements, Governor Gehlot lauded its role in upholding the nation’s interests during joint exercises with various countries in East Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. He commended the Coast Guard for its commendable efforts in life-saving operations during natural calamities and its proactive initiatives in raising awareness among fishermen regarding safety measures.
Governor Gehlot highlighted the strides made by the Indian Coast Guard in bolstering electronic surveillance networks along the Indian coast, with radar stations operational in strategic locations like Surathkal, Bhatkal, Belikeri, and Kundapur in Karnataka. The Governor concluded by underscoring the appreciation extended by the President and Prime Minister of India for the exemplary performance of the Indian Coast Guard in safeguarding the nation’s seas, fishermen, and marine environment.