The second edition of Navika Sagar Parikrama — circumnavigating the globe in a sail boat by two women officers, Lieutenant Commander Dilna K. and Lieutenant Commander Roopa A. — was flagged off at Ocean Sailing Node, INS Mandovi in Goa by Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi on Wednesday.
The voyage covering around 23,000 nautical miles will take around 240 days, across four continents through three oceans and three challenging Capes.
“I am pleased to note that Navika Sagar Parikrama will contribute towards progressing national scientific research in collaboration with the National Institute of Oceanography for study on marine microplastics and ferrous content across the seas; the Wildlife Institute of India for exploration on Mega Faunas or large sea mammals; Sagar Defence for their drones that promise us spectacular visuals of the voyage; and the Defence Food Research Laboratory towards providing customised precooked Indian meals so that our valiant warriors always feel at home,” Admiral Tripathi told the gathering. He also released a special chart commemorating the expedition on the occasion.
It will unfold in five legs with stopovers at four ports for replenishment and maintenance. The five legs are Goa to Fremantle, Australia; Fremantle to Lyttleton; New Zealand to Port Stanley, Falkland; Port Stanley to Cape Town, South Africa and from Cape Town back to Goa.
INSV Tarini, a 56-foot sailing vessel built by Aquarius Shipyard Ltd. was inducted in the Indian Navy on February 18, 2017. The vessel had clocked more than 66,000 nautical miles (1,22,223 km) and participated in the first edition of Navika Sagar Parikrama in 2017, trans-oceanic expedition from Goa to Rio, Goa to Port Louis and other significant expeditions.
Equipment upgrade
The boat is equipped with advanced navigation, safety and communication equipment and has undergone necessary maintenance and equipment upgrade recently, the Navy said in a statement. Both the officers with a sailing experience of 38,000 nautical miles (70,376 km) have trained vigorously for this epic voyage for more than three years. They have been trained on ocean sailing aspects of seamanship, meteorology, navigation, survival techniques and medicare at sea. Further, under the mentorship of Cdr Abhilash Tomy (retd.) since August 2023, the duo has finetuned their skills and undergone psychological conditioning, ready to face challenges at sea, the Navy stated.
Adm. Tripathi acknowledged the foresight of the late Vice Adm Manohar Prahlad Awati who helped pioneer the idea of circumnavigating the globe on indigenous sailboats, INSV Mhadei and Tarini. “Subsequently, the maritime voyages of stalwarts like Capt. Dilip Donde and Cdr. Abhilash Tomy have showcased our seafaring skills at the global stage. About six years ago, we followed these accomplishments with the maiden Navika Sagar Parikrama, comprising an all-women crew of six,” he stated.
“On a personal note, I wish to remind you that the journey is as important as the destination,” the Navy Chief said, adding, “So, cherish every moment of your voyage and live this adventure to the fullest.”
“Be rest assured that the Navy is committed to ensuring the safety, security and success of this daring duo — Anywhere, Anytime, Anyhow!,” Adm. Tripathi added.
Published - October 02, 2024 01:44 pm IST
