Indian Coast Guard commemorated the 42nd raising day by conducting an operation demonstration at sea for family members, civilians and media persons here on Sunday. Over 2,500 people sailed onboard Coast Guard Ships to witness various exercises and drills.
Nine Indian Coast Guard ships Shaurya, Samudra Paheredar, Shaunak, Vigraha, Rani Rushmoni, Rani Avantibai, Arnvesh, C 438 and C 430, and two Chetak helicopters and one Dornier aircraft participated in the operation demo.
The demo included pollution response efforts, high speed demo of interceptor boats, boarding operation, search and rescue efforts, tackling pirates, live firing of ammunition and aerial exercises.
Addressing the media, Additional Director-General K.R. Nautiyal, Coast Guard Commander (Eastern Seaboard) said Indian Coast Guard has 137 ships and 62 aircraft and plays a vital role in maritime combat and safeguarding the shores and vital installations.
According to him, the force will have 190 ships and 100 aircraft in the next few years. Since its inception, ICG has saved as many as 9,245 lives at sea, evacuated 342 seafarers in critical condition, seized contraband items including smuggled goods, narcotics and liquor amounting to ₹4,628 crore and undertook 90 oil spill response operations.