Paradip: The Indian Coast Guard on Thursday conducted the 12th National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX-2026) off Paradip, Odisha, to test preparedness for mass rescue operations at sea.
Conducted under the National Maritime Search and Rescue Board, the exercise was held under the theme “Leveraging Technology to Strengthen SAR Preparedness and Maritime Safety”. It was reviewed by Coast Guard Director General Paramesh Sivamani.
The exercise involved the Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force, Shipping Corporation of India, Directorate General of Shipping, customs, fisheries, marine police, Paradip Port Authority and Odisha state administration. It also saw participation from 32 observers representing 30 countries to strengthen international cooperation and exchange best practices.
The assets deployed included 15 Coast Guard ships, three Dornier aircraft, three Advanced Light Helicopters, a Chetak helicopter, IAF C-130J and Mi-17 aircraft, and two Navy ships, alongside civilian and state resources.
The drill simulated an emergency in which a passenger aircraft carrying 228 people ditched at sea near Paradip Port and struck the container vessel MV Zumba, causing structural damage and fire.
Rescue operations included firefighting, helicopter evacuations, deployment of life rafts, recovery using Jason Cradle and Gemini boats, rescue basket operations and scramble-net procedures. The exercise also demonstrated remotely operated vehicle capabilities.
The Coast Guard said the exercise reaffirmed India’s commitment to a technology-enabled, coordinated maritime rescue framework, in line with its SAGAR and MAHASAGAR visions. It emphasised that coordinated responses to distress calls remain crucial to saving lives at sea.