The Independence Day celebrations at the Coast Guard Headquarters in the Karnataka unit at Mangaluru on Tuesday had a special significance as news of Commander S.S. Dasila being the recipient of Tatrakshak Gallantry Medal of the President of India arrived.
Deputy Inspector General and Commander Dasila reviewed the parade and hoisted the tricolour to mark the occasion.
Coast Guard units at Karwar and its Aeronautical Overseeing Team at Bengaluru too celebrated Independence Day and rededicated themselves to the service of the nation.
A release from the Coast Guard said Mr. Dasila was conferred the award for displaying exemplary courage and acts of valour under extreme conditions while commanding Indian Coast Guard Ship Shoor. In April this year, Shoor was involved in a major fire fighting operation spanning over three days and averted the sinking of MV MSC Daniella very close to Colombo Harbour.
Mr. Dasila’s timely action in the adverse situation onboard MSC Daniella, laden with more than 7,000 containers carrying dangerous cargo, not only helped douse the fire but also managed to rescue the ship from sinking in the territorial waters of Sri Lanka, the release added. This act of the officer in response to Lankan Navy’s request not only resulted in saving 25 lives onboard but also further strengthened ties between India and Sri Lanka.
The release also stated that Mr. Dasila was commended by the Director General in 2000 for operation ‘Nelson’ (October 1999), the first ever joint anti-piracy operation by ICG and Indian Navy. Pirated vessel MV Alondra Rainbow alias Mega Rama hijacked from the South China Sea was successfully captured. It was the first known case in maritime history of pirates being captured along with cargo, the release added.
Mr. Dasila assumed charge as Commander, Coast Guard, Karnataka, in May 2017.
