Paradip Hosts Mega Maritime Rescue Exercise as Coast Guard Leads SAREX-2026
Paradip, Oct 8: Paradip emerged as the focal point of India’s maritime safety preparedness as the Indian Coast Guard successfully conducted the 12th National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX-2026), bringing together multiple national and international stakeholders for a large-scale emergency response simulation.
Organised under the aegis of the National Maritime Search and Rescue Board (NMSARB), the exercise focused on strengthening coordination among maritime agencies and enhancing preparedness through the use of advanced technology.
The theme of this year’s exercise was “Leveraging Technology to Strengthen SAR Preparedness and Maritime Safety.”
The exercise was reviewed by the Director General of the Indian Coast Guard, Paramesh Sivamani, and witnessed participation from key agencies, including the Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, Directorate General of Shipping, Shipping Corporation of India, Customs, Marine Police, Fisheries Department, Paradip Port Authority, and the Odisha State Administration.
Adding an international dimension to the event, 32 observers from 30 countries attended the exercise, reflecting growing global interest in maritime search and rescue cooperation.
A realistic mass rescue scenario formed the centrepiece of the exercise.
The simulation involved a passenger aircraft carrying 228 people ditching into the sea near Paradip Port after colliding with a container vessel, triggering a large-scale maritime emergency response operation.
The Indian Coast Guard deployed an impressive array of assets, including 15 ships, three Dornier aircraft, three Advanced Light Helicopters, and a Chetak helicopter, while the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy contributed additional aircraft and ships for the exercise.
Rescue demonstrations included helicopter evacuation procedures, life raft deployment, firefighting operations, rescue basket recoveries, scramble net extraction techniques, Jason Cradle recoveries, and the use of Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) technology.
The exercise highlighted India’s capability to respond swiftly and effectively to complex maritime emergencies through inter-agency coordination, technological innovation, and international cooperation.
SAREX-2026 reinforced the country’s commitment to safeguarding lives at sea and strengthening maritime disaster response mechanisms.
