Indian Coast Guard holds major search and rescue drill in Paradip; infiltration, smuggling in focus

The Indian Coast Guard is conducting a massive Search and Rescue (SAR) workshop off the Paradip coast on Friday. The exercise is aimed at strengthening coastal safety and enhancing joint operational readiness under the supervision of the Coast Guard Commander.

According to sources, teams from the State Search and Rescue unit actively participated in the workshop, which focused on improving coordination between state agencies and the Coast Guard during emergency operations. The drill demonstrated how both teams would jointly respond to crisis situations at sea, including rescue operations and threat neutralisation. Participants were also trained on procedures to identify and intercept hostile elements in the ocean, sources added.

Sharing details about the workshop from Offshore Patrol Vessel Vijaya, OTV Executive Editor Radhamadhab Mishra said that just as the Indian Army safeguards the nation’s land borders, the Indian Coast Guard is responsible for protecting the country’s maritime boundaries and ensuring security at sea.

He explained that the Coast Guard unit deployed in Paradip operates under the Eastern Region and monitors the stretch between Haldia Port and Paradip Port. With frequent incidents of Bangladeshi infiltration, smuggling activities through waterways, and fishermen accidentally crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line, the Coast Guard plays a vital role in surveillance and interception. 

The Bangladesh border lies around 150 nautical miles from Paradip, and many fishermen who drift beyond the boundary are rescued and brought back by Coast Guard teams. Mishra further pointed out that the Coast Guard recently seized a large consignment of supari in Paradip. 

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Along with anti-smuggling operations, the Indian Coast Guard is also crucial in search and rescue missions, maritime law enforcement, pollution control, and ensuring the safety of fishermen and coastal communities.