On November 29, 2024, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) conducted the 11th National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX-2024) near Kochi. The two-day event, which began on November 28, was inaugurated by Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh and directed by the Director General of the ICG, Paramesh Sivamani. This year's theme, “Enhancing Search and Rescue Capabilities Through Regional Collaboration,” points up the importance of working together with other countries to improve safety at sea.
The first day focused on learning and planning. Officers from different government departments, the armed forces, and international representatives attended workshops and discussions. These sessions helped everyone understand the best ways to handle crises at sea.
The second day featured a large-scale rescue operation. The procedure was applied to a passenger plane with 250 people on board that lost contact with air traffic control and disappeared from radar, about 150 marine miles from Kochi. A rescue operation was quickly launched, involving many agencies:
- Indian Coast Guard ships and helicopters
- Indian Air Force aircraft
- Tugs from the Cochin Port Authority
- Rescue boats from Kochi Water Metro
- A water ambulance from the Kerala government
The rescue teams carried out several important tasks:
- Dropping life rafts: Aircraft from the IAF and ICG dropped life rafts into the water.
- Helicopter rescues: People were lifted to safety using advanced helicopters.
- Crew rescues: Special supplies called Jason Cradle helped rescue the crew.
- Drone assistance: Drones were used to deliver life-saving buoys.
These efforts showed how well the different teams worked together to handle the emergency.
The exercise was not just about testing rescue skills but also about improving teamwork and learning from each other. It allowed agencies to practice their plans and learn better ways to handle large rescue missions. Officials from India’s National Maritime Search and Rescue Board and 38 foreign viewers also attended, showing the global importance of such events.
The Indian Coast Guard has become a leader in keeping people safe at sea. Its efforts support Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Security and Growth for All in the Region” (SAGAR), which focuses on building good relationships with neighboring countries and providing safety in the region’s waters.
SAREX-2024 was a successful exercise that showed how well-prepared India is to handle emergencies at sea. It also highlighted the importance of working together with other countries to improve safety and security in the maritime world. (PR)