Visit of Indian Ship ICGS Sarang to Maldives
Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarang visited Male’ from 27 to 29 April and Gan from 01 to 02 May 2014. The ship visited Maldives for change around of MNDF helicopter based at Gan. Kurangi (CG 852) which is in service with MNDF since Apr 2010 was returned to MNDF after undergoing scheduled maintenance in India. The Indian Coast Guard had replaced Kurangi with another helicopter during the period of repair. The Kurangi has been at the forefront of providing vital services to the people of Maldives through timely medical evacuations and search and rescue in the Southern islands.
During the visit of Sarang to Male’ the Commanding Officer had called on the Chief of Defence Froces and MNDF Coast Guard Commander to discuss issues to enhance cooperation in the areas of Search and Rescue, Pollution Control and Maritime Security. During the ship’s visit to Gan, High Commissioner of India Rajeev Shahare hosted a reception on board ‘Sarang’, which was attended by the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Gan, distinguished MPs, Southern Area Commander, and other MNDF officers.
ICGS Sarang, is an Advance Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV) built by Goa Shipyard Ltd. The vessel is primarily designed for round the clock, all weather surveillance of maritime zones of India and is capable of integrated helicopter operations. The ship has capability to undertake mandated charter of Coast Guard duties viz Pollution Response operations, Search and Rescue operations, Anti-Piracy operations in EEZ and assistance to fishermen in distress. The ship is based at Chennai and currently commanded by DIG Navdeep Raj.
Male
May 2, 2014
