The ship is designed to carry a twin-engine helicopter, four high speed boats and one inflatable boat for swift boarding and search and rescue operations

In a bid to enhance security preparedness along the country’s huge coast line, India on Friday launched Coast Guard Ship Sachet and two interceptor boats—C-450 and C-451 in Goa.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Defence, Rajnath Singh described commissioning of these ships as an “important milestone in India’s coastal capability building process.”

The ICGS Sachet, the first in the series of five offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) has been designed and built indigenously by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) and is fitted with state-of-the-art navigation and communication equipment.

ICGS Sachet, a 105 metre long ship, displaces approximately 2,350 tons and is propelled by two 9,100 KW diesel engines designed to attain a maximum speed of 26 knots, with an endurance of 6,000 nautical miles.

The sustenance and reach, coupled with the latest equipment and systems, provides her the capability to perform the role of a command platform and undertake tasks to fulfill the ICG charter.

The ship is designed to carry a twin-engine helicopter and four high speed boats and one inflatable boat for swift boarding and search & rescue operations. The ship is also capable of carrying limited pollution response equipment to undertake oil spill pollution response at sea.

Praising the role of Indian Coast Guard, Rajnath Singh said, “As the fourth largest Coast Guard in the world, it has established itself as a reliable force. It not only protects our coastline and coastal community, but also protects economic activities, and maritime environment in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).”

Spelling out Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision ‘SAGAR’ (Security and Growth for All in the Region), Defence Minister said, “The oceans are the lifelines of not only our country, but also global prosperity.”

“India is an emerging maritime power, and our prosperity is also very dependent on the sea. Being a responsible maritime power, Oceans are the priority of the government,” he added.

The Defence Minister acknowledged that the sea can become a medium of any kind of threats sponsored by anti-national elements. Therefore it is extremely important to develop a collaborative and cooperative approach among all stakeholders, he added.

He expressed confidence that Coast Guard Ships being inducted from today onwards will add to their strength and help in addressing the challenges related to maritime terrorism, drug trafficking, smuggling, maritime law enforcement and the search and rescue of threatened mariners.