–by Pratyusha Mukherjee, Paradip Coast, Odisha
The Indian Coast Guard conducted the 12th National Maritime Search & Rescue Exercise (SAREX-2026) off the Paradip coast, Odisha, under the aegis of the National Maritime Search and Rescue Board (NMSARB). The exercise was conducted with the theme “Leveraging Technology to Strengthen SAR Preparedness and Maritime Safety” and brought together various maritime and aeronautical agencies to demonstrate operational readiness, interoperability and coordinated response to complex maritime emergencies and Mass Rescue Operations at sea.
The exercise was reviewed by Director General Paramesh Sivamani, AVSM, PTM, TM, Director General Indian Coast Guard, and witnessed by 32 observers from 30 countries. The participation of international observers underscored India’s growing role as a dependable maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) partner in the region. The exercise also facilitated exchange of operational best practices, enhanced interoperability and reaffirmed the collective commitment towards safeguarding lives at sea.
The exercise witnessed participation by the Indian Coast Guard, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, Shipping Corporation of India, Directorate General of Shipping, Fisheries Department, Customs, Marine Police, Paradip Port Authority and Odisha State Administration. A wide array of assets was deployed, including 15 Coast Guard ships, three Dornier aircraft, three ALH helicopters, one Chetak helicopter, IAF C-130J and Mi-17 aircraft, two Indian Navy ships, besides civil and State resources and shore-based support units.
The sea phase simulated a Mass Rescue Operation (MRO) following a concurrent aeronautical and maritime distress scenario. As part of the exercise, a passenger aircraft carrying 228 persons was simulated to have ditched at sea in the vicinity of Paradip Port, with the fuselage subsequently impacting the container vessel MV Zumba, resulting in structural damage and fire onboard.
The complex scenario necessitated rapid mobilisation of multiple resources and seamless coordination amongst participating agencies. The response included activation of the Incident Command Post, firefighting and damage-control measures, helicopter evacuation, deployment of life rafts and air-droppable life rafts, Jason Cradle and Gemini recovery systems, rescue basket operations, scramble net procedures and demonstration of Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) capability.
The exercise highlighted the criticality of technology-enabled Search and Rescue, real-time information sharing, enhanced Maritime Domain Awareness and rapid mobilisation of resources in effectively responding to complex and large-scale maritime emergencies. It also provided an opportunity to validate existing Standard Operating Procedures, assess inter-agency coordination, identify operational gaps and incorporate lessons learnt towards further strengthening the national SAR architecture.
India’s maritime Search and Rescue framework has evolved significantly following its accession to the International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue, 1979, in 2001 and the constitution of the National Maritime Search and Rescue Board in 2002. Over the past five decades, the Indian Coast Guard has undertaken 4,390 SAR missions, saved 11,897 lives and facilitated 530 medical evacuations. These sustained efforts reflect India’s unwavering commitment to maritime safety and its endeavour to strengthen a globally connected and interoperable SAR network.
SAREX-2026 reaffirmed the collective resolve of India and its international partners to build a faster, technology-enabled and seamlessly coordinated maritime Search and Rescue framework, in consonance with the vision of SAGAR and the spirit of MAHASAGAR. The exercise reinforced the enduring commitment that every distress call must receive a coordinated response and every possible effort must be made to save lives at sea.
(Inputs from CPRO ICG)
