Maritime Security / Indian Coast Guard Conducts 12th National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise Off Paradip Coast

Paradip, Oct 12: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has successfully conducted the 12th National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX-2026) off the coast of Paradip in Odisha, demonstrating coordinated response capabilities during a simulated mass rescue operation at sea.

Held on October 8 under the aegis of the National Maritime Search and Rescue Board (NMSARB), the exercise was conducted under the theme, “Leveraging Technology to Strengthen SAR Preparedness and Maritime Safety”.

Director General of the Indian Coast Guard Paramesh Sivamani reviewed the exercise, which brought together the Coast Guard, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force and several other maritime and aeronautical agencies. These included the Shipping Corporation of India, Directorate General of Shipping, Fisheries, Customs, Marine Police, Paradip Port Authority and the Odisha administration.

The exercise also saw participation from 32 observers representing 30 countries, strengthening international cooperation and providing an opportunity to exchange best practices in maritime search and rescue.

Aircraft And Ships Demonstrate Rescue Capabilities
The exercise deployed 15 Coast Guard ships, three Dornier aircraft, three Advanced Light Helicopters and one Chetak helicopter, along with an Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft and Mi-17 helicopter, two Indian Navy ships, and civil and state resources.

The sea drill simulated a mass rescue operation following simultaneous aeronautical and maritime emergencies. Under the scenario, a passenger aircraft carrying 228 people ditched at sea near Paradip Port, with its fuselage striking the container vessel MV Zumba, causing structural damage and a fire.

The response included activation of an Incident Command Post, firefighting, helicopter evacuations, deployment of life rafts and air-droppable life rafts, Jason Cradle and Gemini recovery, rescue basket operations and scramble net procedures. The exercise also featured a demonstration of remotely operated vehicle (ROV) capabilities.

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Coast Guard Seeks Greater International Cooperation
Speaking to Akashvani News aboard ICGS Samudra Pratap, Director General Paramesh Sivamani said the Coast Guard was ready to take maritime search and rescue operations to new heights.

He said foreign observers had been invited to witness the exercise to help engage international partners in real-time search and rescue operations in the future.

Blaise Taylor, Superintendent of the Australian Border Force, also praised the Indian Coast Guard's role in search and rescue operations and its cooperation with neighbouring countries.

Focus On Technology And Maritime Safety
SAREX-2026 brought together multiple agencies to demonstrate operational readiness, interoperability and coordinated responses to emergencies at sea.

The exercise reaffirmed India's commitment to strengthening a technology-enabled search and rescue framework in line with the vision of SAGAR and the spirit of MAHASAGAR. It also underscored the importance of coordinated action to respond to distress calls and save lives at sea.