Indian Coast Guard demonstrates daring search and rescue exercises at SAREX-2024 off Kochi coast
The Hindu
Indian Coast Guard conducts SAREX-2024 off Kochi coast, showcasing mass-rescue operations and promoting international cooperation in maritime safety.
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) conducted the 11th edition of the National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX-2024) off the Kochi coast on Friday (November 29, 2024.)
The exercise, which was inaugurated by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and was reviewed by Director General of the ICG, S. Paramesh, also saw participation from members of the National Maritime Search and Rescue Board and 38 foreign observers representing Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs).
SAREX-2024 was held on the theme ‘Enhancing Search and Rescue Capabilities Through Regional Collaboration’. A highlight of the event was a sea exercise on Friday in the sea off Kochi, which simulated a large-scale contingency involving a passenger aircraft crash. The scenario portrayed an aircraft carrying 250 passengers that encountered severe technical failure, losing communication with air traffic control (ATC) and vanishing from radar, while flying approximately 150 nautical miles northwest of Kochi.
A coordinated mass rescue operation (MRO) was swiftly initiated, demonstrating the seamless deployment of resources, including ships and aircraft from the ICG, Indian Air Force (IAF), tugs from Cochin Port Authority, three Kochi Water Metro ferries, a Garuda rescue and emergency vessel of Kochi Water Metro Limited, a water ambulance provided by the Government of Kerala.
The key actions held included IAF aircraft and ICG ships dropping life rafts, advanced light helicopters (ALH) evacuating passengers, crew rescue operations utilising Jason Cradle technology, innovative deployment of drones to deliver lifebuoys and the successful execution of these operations with high level of coordination and preparedness among participating agencies.
SAREX-2024 was held to validate standard operating procedures (SOPs) and best practices for conducting mass-rescue operations. It served as a vital platform to enhance mutual understanding, to foster collaboration, and to exchange strategies for managing large-scale maritime contingencies, ICG sources said.
The exercise also highlighted the importance of international cooperation in strengthening maritime safety.
CM A. Revanth Reddy distributes ₹1 crore insurance cheques to families of deceased Electricity department employees, enhancing financial security for workers.
The Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) registered 634 cases of drunk driving during a week-long special enforcement drive conducted across the city between March 16 and March 22.
GHMC intensifies action against property tax defaulters, seizing properties and offering a One Time Settlement scheme for payments.
CCB arrests three drug peddlers in Mangaluru, seizing ₹2.5 lakh worth of MDMA and other valuables.
TVK's 28 candidates in Puducherry include former BJP MLAs, a sitting Independent, and a retired police IG.
BRS submits notice on private member bill to Speaker
CPI-M accepts DMK's five-seat offer for Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, prioritizing INDIA bloc unity over seat demands.
Ricky Rai, son of former underworld operative Muthappa Rai, on Monday appeared before the Bengaluru Traffic Police for questioning in connection with a case involving a Lamborghini performing dangerous stunts at Anil Kumble Circle on March 21.
The Dispur election heats up as 'CongBJP' defections shape a high-stakes contest between veteran candidates from BJP and Congress.
Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium conducts readiness drill ahead of IPL 2026, ensuring upgrades and technical preparations are complete.
First-level randomisation of EVMs completed in Nagapattinam for upcoming elections, ensuring transparency and security.
A district-level committee in Krishnagiri has been formed to assess and verify seizure claims of goods and cash.
Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy pledges government support for local fishermen and farmers facing challenges in Andhra Pradesh.