On September 9, Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) will receive an Indian Cost Guard Offshore Patrol Vessel, ‘ICGS Sarathi’ commissioned by the Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh.
Although the vessel was launched by Defence production Special Secretary Ashok Kumar Gupta in 2015 at GSL yard. It is only the third ship to be received out of six that the Coast Guard has ordered. However, all ships are expected to be delivered by 2017.
Vessel Features & Purpose
The in-house-designed offshore patrol ship is well equipped to undertake:
- Search and rescue operations
- Pollution control
- External fire fighting.
The ship will be deployed for ocean surveillance and for monitoring sea lanes of communication. In addition, it is capable of cruising at a speed of 23 knots and has a range of 6,000 nautical miles.
Goan waters of-late have witnessed foul play. As Karnataka fishing boats used to fish in Goa during the month long fishing ban. With that said, I am optimistic that with greater patrolling, the coast will become safe again.
