Five more ships join A&N Coast Guard fleet Induction of these ships will strengthen Coast Guard's capabilities: CS

Two Fast Patrol Vessels of the Coast Guard, ICGS Rajdhwaj and ICGS Rajtarang and three Interceptor Boats ICGS C 422, ICGS C 415 and ICGS C 423 have been inducted into the fleet of Coast Guard Region, A & N Islands. At an induction ceremony held at Coast Guard Jetty here today, the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Shri Anindo Majumdar, chief guest of the function, unveiled a plaque and inducted the ships into the fleet, in the presence of Commander Coast Guard, A & N Region, IG K R Suresh.
The chief guest lauded the activities of Coast Guard in the Islands and said that that the induction of the ships in the Coast Guard fleet will strengthen the Coast Guard's capability to carry out its operation in a more efficient manner in the Islands. The presence of the Coast Guard in the Islands has been felt by the Islanders, as it has been instrumental in saving many lives, particularly the Islands fishermen, besides in medical evacuation of critical patients and search and rescue operation, he said.
Referring to the considerable reduction in the number of poachers, the Chief Secretary said that anti poaching activity by the Coast Guard in the Islands' sea has been effective and as a result, the number of poachers has reduced to a great extent. He attributed this to the best coordination between Coast Guard, Police and Navy. However, strengthening its capability is essential, in view of the strategic significance of the Islands, he said and stressed for continuous vigil in the sea for the safety of the Islands.
Highlighting Coast Guard's activities, IG Suresh informed that the Coast Guard has doubled its services towards the people during last year. It had saved 62 lives, evacuate 9 critical patients and conducted 24 search & rescue operations, he said. The induction of the ships in the fleet will enhance the Coast Guard's reach in the far flung Islands, he said.
Later, the chief guest was taken onboard the newly inducted ships and was apprised of their operational capability.
The Indian Coast Guard Region (A&N) has earned laurels for its swift and optimally calibrated response to numerous challenges in past and has continued to register all round growth whilst beholding the Isles confidence in delivering maritime challenges and imperatives obligated upon Coast Guard. This region has been able to meet the expectations of mariners at large in ensuring safety of life and property at sea, which is going to be more robust with rebasing of new assets. The Coast Guard, in collaboration with A&N Administration is taking it as a challenge to develop support infrastructure and logistic support for new assets, for their optimal utilization and swift deployment even to remotest corners of A&N.