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Indian Coast Guard conducts SAREX-2026 maritime rescue drill
The Indian Coast Guard conducted SAREX-2026, a large-scale multinational maritime search and rescue (SAR) exercise off the coast of Paradip. The drill involved 32 observers from 30 different countries, aiming to enhance international interoperability and share operational best practices.
The exercise simulated a complex mass rescue operation involving a passenger aircraft carrying 228 people that ditched into the sea and collided with the container vessel MV Zumba. To manage the simulated crisis, the Indian Coast Guard deployed 15 ships, two Dornier aircraft, three Advanced Light Helicopters, and one Chetak helicopter. The Indian Air Force and Indian Navy also provided support with C-130J, Mi-17, and naval vessels.
Prior to the drill, the 24th National Maritime Search and Rescue Board meeting was held, chaired by Director General Paramesh Sivamani. The board reviewed preparedness across India’s 4.6 million square kilometer SAR region, emphasizing the need for technological integration, real-time information sharing, and improved inter-agency coordination. Officials also noted India’s progress in satellite-aided SAR capabilities, including the operational capability of the MEOLUT system.
Entities
Indian Coast Guard · Indian Navy · Paradip · Paramesh Sivamani · Sanjay Seth
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Indian Coast Guard has achieved full operational capability of its MEOLUT system. bharatshakti.in
- [● 2 SOURCES] India's maritime search and rescue region covers approximately 4.6 million square kilometers. www.bhaskarhindi.com · www.orissapost.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] The Indian Coast Guard conducted the SAREX-2026 maritime search and rescue exercise off the Paradip coast. samacharnama.com · bharatshakti.in · www.bhaskarhindi.com · businessnewsthisweek.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The National Maritime Search and Rescue Board held its 24th meeting. www.bhaskarhindi.com · www.orissapost.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Indian Air Force participated with C-130J and Mi-17 aircraft. samacharnama.com · bharatshakti.in · businessnewsthisweek.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The exercise included 32 observers from 30 different countries. samacharnama.com · bharatshakti.in · businessnewsthisweek.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Indian Coast Guard deployed 15 ships, two Dornier aircraft, three Advanced Light Helicopters, and one Chetak helicopter. samacharnama.com · bharatshakti.in · businessnewsthisweek.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The drill simulated a passenger aircraft carrying 228 people ditching into the sea and colliding with the vessel MV Zumba. samacharnama.com · bharatshakti.in · businessnewsthisweek.com