The Coast Guard conducted the 11th edition of the National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX-2024) off the Kochi coast on November 29, 2024. The two-day exercise launched on November 28, 2024, and was reviewed by the Director General of the Coast Guard. SAREX-2024, with the theme ‘Enhancing Search and Rescue Capabilities Through Regional Collaboration’, highlighted the importance of international cooperation in strengthening maritime safety.
The first day of the event featured various programmes, including tabletop exercises, workshops & seminars involving the participation of senior officials from government agencies, Ministries & Armed Forces, various stakeholders and foreign delegates. The second day comprised the sea exercise involving large-scale contingencies off the Kochi coast with the participation of ships & aircraft of various agencies.
The simulated contingency involved a passenger aircraft crash, wherein an aircraft carrying 250 passengers encountered severe technical failure, losing communication with Air Traffic Control and vanishing from radar 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 Coast Guard, Indian Air Force, tugs from Cochin Port Authority, three water metros, one Garuda rescue & emergency craft from Kochi Water Metro and a water ambulance provided by the Kerala State Administration
The successful execution of these operations underscored the high level of coordination and preparedness among participating agencies.
The exercise aimed to validate standard operating procedures and best practices for conducting MROs. It served as a vital platform to enhance mutual understanding, foster collaboration, and exchange effective strategies for managing large-scale maritime contingencies. The event also saw participation from members of the National Maritime Search and Rescue Board and 38 distinguished foreign observers.
Over the years, the Coast Guard has emerged as a leading maritime agency, driving India’s efforts to build a robust maritime search and rescue framework. By consistently collaborating with various stakeholders, the Coast Guard plays a pivotal role in enhancing maritime safety and security. These initiatives align with the government’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR), reinforcing India’s position as a reliable and proactive maritime partner on the global stage.
Team Bharatshakti
