New Delhi, November 29 (IANS). Indian Armed Forces have conducted an important exercise to rescue people stranded at sea and in aircraft. The exercise was conducted in Kochi, Kerala till Friday. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG), Navy, Indian Air Force and port authorities also participated in the exercise.
The emergency rescue exercise also included a passenger plane crash drill. In this, an aircraft carrying 250 passengers suffered a serious technical failure. The aircraft lost contact with air traffic control.
The aircraft disappeared from radar about 150 nautical miles northwest of Kochi. A coordinated mass rescue operation (MRO) was immediately launched thereafter, involving ships and aircraft of the Indian Coast Guard, Indian Air Force (IAF), tugs from Cochin Port Authority, three water metros, one Garuda from Kochi Water Metro.
The seamless deployment of resources including water ambulances of the Kerala State Administration was also demonstrated here. Over the last few years, the Indian Coast Guard has emerged as a leading maritime agency. It is leading India’s efforts to build a strong maritime search and rescue infrastructure. By continuously collaborating with various stakeholders, the Indian Coast Guard plays a vital role in enhancing maritime safety and security. These initiatives are in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to strengthen India’s reputation as a reliable and proactive maritime partner on the global stage.
Indian Coast Guard (ICG) conducted this 11th National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise off Kochi coast on 28th and 29th November. ICG Director General Parmesh Shivamani reviewed it. As part of the exercise, various programs including table-top studies, workshops and seminars were organized on the first day. It was attended by senior officials from government agencies, ministries and armed forces, various stakeholders and foreign representatives.
On the second day i.e. on 29 November, a large scale contingency maritime exercise was conducted off the Kochi coast. Ships and aircraft from various agencies participated in it. As part of the major operations, Indian Air Force aircraft and Indian Coast Guard ships launched a live fleet. Efforts were made to evacuate the passengers using advanced light helicopters. Drones were deployed to deliver life-saving equipment.
The successful execution of these operations underlined the high level of coordination and preparedness among the armed forces. The purpose of this study was to agree on standard operating procedures and best practices for the operation of MROs. It serves as an important platform to enhance mutual understanding, promote cooperation and share effective strategies for managing large-scale maritime contingencies. Members of the National Maritime Search and Rescue Board and 38 distinguished foreign observers also participated in the event.
–IANS
GCB/ABM
