The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) added teeth to its fleet with the commissioning of a ship, C-407, by State Police Chief K.S. Balasubramanian at a ceremony at the Vizhinjam harbour on Friday.
The interceptor-class ship had an endurance of 500 nautical miles at 25 knots and was capable of doing speeds up to 45 knots. The vessel was fitted with state-of-the-art navigation and communication equipment, including night vision telescopes, infrared cameras, radar, and Global Positional System (GPS). It is also fitted with medium-range armament and was designed for close-coast and shallow-water operations. The ICGS C-407 would be based at Vizhinjam. It would have one officer and eleven enrolled personnel.
Mr. Balasubramanian commended the actions of the ICG. The ships and aircraft of the force had been undertaking multifarious maritime activities such as search and rescue, rendering assistance to mariners and fisherfolk in distress, medical evacuation, marine environment protection, and strict enforcement of marine laws in a commendable and professional manner, he said.
“The police have in recent times taken time to work together with the local population. But the ICG has been doing that from day one by working with fishermen and other local people.
