The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully carried out a daring rescue operation on Thursday, evacuating six stranded fishermen and four workers from the Chemplast jetty in Cuddalore, located approximately 2 km into the sea, amid deteriorating weather conditions.
Sharing the news on X, the ICG wrote, “In a remarkable #SearchAndRescue operation, @IndiaCoastGuard safely evacuated six stranded fishermen and four workers from the #Cuddalore Chemplast jetty, about 2 km into the sea, amidst deteriorating weather conditions. Kudos to our brave crew for their unwavering commitment and swift action. #RescueMission.”
In a remarkable #SearchAndRescue operation, @IndiaCoastGuard safely evacuated six stranded fishermen & four workers from the #Cuddalore Chemplast jetty, about 2 km into the sea, amidst deteriorating weather conditions. Kudos to our brave crew for their unwavering commitment &… pic.twitter.com/idau7IdjoX
— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) November 28, 2024
Meanwhile, in Goa, the ICG’s District Commander met with Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant on Sunday to discuss the operational preparedness of ICG units in the state.
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During the meeting, Chief Minister Sawant was apprised of the ICG’s initiatives to ensure coastal security, combat marine pollution, and deliver effective search-and-rescue (SAR) services.
Following the meeting, the ICG posted on X: “@IndiaCoastGuard District Commander #Goa called on Dr Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Goa, on 26 Nov 24. The Hon’ble Chief Minister was briefed on the operational readiness of #ICG units towards ensuring Coastal Security, combating Marine Pollution, and providing #SearchAndRescue services for the state of #Goa.”
Earlier in the day, the ICG hosted the 22nd National Maritime Search and Rescue (NMSAR) Board meeting in Kochi, Kerala, coinciding with the launch of the 11th edition of the National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX-24) off the Kochi Coast on November 29, 2024.
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh inaugurated the event, interacting with foreign delegates and commending the ICG’s role in delivering SAR services within the Indian Search and Rescue Region. He also assured government support to further strengthen the Coast Guard’s capabilities, as noted in a press release by the Ministry of Defence.
The meeting was chaired by Director General ICG and NMSAR Board Chairperson, DG Paramesh Sivamani, who emphasized the collective responsibility of safeguarding lives at sea. He highlighted the importance of efficient maritime search-and-rescue operations in bolstering India’s maritime safety framework.
As part of the proceedings, the National SAR Awards for 2023-24 were presented, acknowledging exceptional contributions to maritime safety and SAR efforts. The winners included:
- Merchant Vessel Category: MV Singapore Bulker (Panama-flagged vessel)
- Fishing Boat Category: Indian Fishing Boats Paramita 5, Geeta, and Bahubali
- Government-Owned SAR Unit Category: ICG Air Squadron 835 Sqn (CG)
- Ashore Unit Category: Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS)
These awards reflect the commitment and excellence of various entities in ensuring safety at sea, the release added.
