The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully conducted the 11th edition of the National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX-2024) off the coast of Kochi on November 29, 2024. The two-day exercise, inaugurated by Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh and reviewed by ICG Director General Paramesh Sivamani, focused on the theme “Enhancing Search and Rescue Capabilities Through Regional Collaboration.” SAREX-2024 highlighted the critical role of international cooperation in bolstering maritime safety and security.
The first day of the exercise featured a table-top exercise, workshops, and seminars, with participation from senior officials of government agencies, the Armed Forces, stakeholders, and foreign delegates. The second day showcased a live sea exercise simulating a large-scale contingency involving a passenger aircraft crash. The scenario depicted an aircraft carrying 250 passengers losing communication and radar visibility approximately 150 nautical miles northwest of Kochi. A Mass Rescue Operation (MRO) was launched, demonstrating coordinated efforts among multiple agencies.
Key operations during the MRO included life raft drops by Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft and ICG ships, passenger evacuations using Advanced Light Helicopters, and crew rescues employing Jason Cradle technology. Drones were innovatively deployed to deliver lifebuoys, enhancing the efficiency of rescue efforts. Participating assets included ICG and IAF ships and aircraft, tugs from the Cochin Port Authority, water metros, the Garuda rescue craft, and a water ambulance provided by the Kerala State Administration. These operations underscored the high degree of coordination, preparedness, and use of advanced technologies among the participating agencies.
SAREX-2024 aimed to validate standard operating procedures, refine best practices for MROs, and foster collaboration among national and international stakeholders. The event featured active participation from members of the National Maritime Search and Rescue Board and 38 foreign observers, strengthening mutual understanding and enhancing global cooperation in maritime safety.
The ICG has established itself as a leader in maritime search and rescue operations, consistently collaborating with various stakeholders to create a robust safety framework. SAREX-2024 aligns with the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) initiative, reinforcing India’s role as a reliable and proactive maritime partner on the global stage.