The Indian Coast Guard successfully conducted the 12th edition of the National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise, designated as SAREX-2026, in the Bay of Bengal off the coast of Paradip in Odisha. The comprehensive two-day exercise mobilized specialized offshore patrol vessels, hovercraft, Dornier maritime surveillance aircraft, and advanced light helicopters to evaluate emergency response coordination during mass passenger distress scenarios at sea.
The tactical drill simulated a major collision between a passenger ferry and a commercial chemical carrier, testing coordinated sea-surface rescue, aeronautical casualty evacuation, and medical triage protocols. Observers from over a dozen friendly foreign nations, including members of the Indian Ocean Rim Association, attended the exercises to inspect operational interoperability and search-and-rescue communication architecture.
Director General of the Indian Coast Guard commended participating crews for their swift tactical execution and seamless integration with coastal disaster management agencies and port authorities. He emphasized that realistic joint drills ensure high maritime operational readiness, safeguarding seafaring lives and commercial shipping across India’s expansive Exclusive Economic Zone.
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