Indian Coast Guard Conducts Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise
Indian Coast Guard conducts maritime exercise to find synergy amongst all participants in the field of life saving.
In a bid to check its preparedness and response measures in a crisis situation, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) conducted Search and Rescue Workshop and Exercise in Mumbai.
The SAREX-16 focussed on Mass Rescue Operation (MRO) post a mock aircraft accident activated real time satellite-based distress communication mechanisms to check the efficacy of distress alert relay mechanisms.
Ten ICG Ships, Dornier aircraft, three Chetak helicopters, one indigenous Advance Light Helicopter from Coast Guard, one Indian Naval Ship, one Indian Air Force helicopter, one ship of Shipping Corporation of India participated in the exercise.
The exercise assumes significance in the wake of recent operations like rescue of 20 crew from MV Jindal Kamakshi, 14 crew of MV Coastal Pride and others.
A total of 25 international observers from nine maritime nations - Australia, Bangladesh, Japan, Maldives, Mauritius, Myanmar, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and United Arab Emirates - witnessed the exercise at sea.
Besides, members from National Maritime Search and Rescue Board from various Central and state Departments, resource agencies and other maritime stake holders also participated in the exercise.
(With inputs from PTI)
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