Governor Vajubhai Vala on Monday commissioned two Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs) of Indian Coast Guards at Panambur in Mangaluru.
These two 21-meter long ACVs based in Mangaluru, which move on land and sea, will be used for surveillance as well as search and rescue operations on the 320-km long Karnataka coastline.
These two ACVs move at a speed of 45 knots (90 km per hour). Each vessel will have 13 personnel. These ACVs are armed with heavy machine guns, radar and satellite communication system that are suited for high speed interception, close coast patrol and low intensity maritime operations.
In his speech Mr. Vala said these vessels will help in guarding the Indian Coastline from infiltration of terrorists from sea route. Inspector General and Commander of Coast Guards (Western Region) S.P.S Basra appealed to the State government to expedite the process of handing over land in Karwar to support the ACVs to operate freely and help fishermen in distress.
