ICG
Plane, ship, fire and 228 people: Inside Coast Guard’s biggest rescue drill
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) conducted the 12th National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX-2026) off Paradip, Odisha, on October 8 under the aegis of the National Maritime Search and Rescue Board (NMSARB).
Held under the theme “Leveraging Technology to Strengthen SAR Preparedness and Maritime Safety”, the exercise brought together maritime and aeronautical agencies to demonstrate operational readiness, interoperability and coordinated response capabilities during mass rescue operations at sea.
The exercise was reviewed by Director General Paramesh Sivamani, DG, Indian Coast Guard, and witnessed the participation of the Coast Guard, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, Shipping Corporation of India, Directorate General of Shipping, Fisheries Department, Customs, Marine Police, Paradip Port Authority and the Odisha State Administration.
As many as 32 observers from 30 countries also participated in the exercise, marking a significant step towards strengthening international cooperation in maritime search and rescue. Their participation facilitated the exchange of best practices, enhanced global interoperability and reaffirmed India's role as a dependable maritime Search and Rescue partner in the region.
The exercise involved the deployment of 15 Coast Guard ships, three Dornier aircraft, three Advanced Light Helicopters and one Chetak helicopter, besides an IAF C-130J aircraft and Mi-17 helicopters. Two Indian Navy ships, along with civil and state resources and shore-based support units, also participated in the exercise.
The sea drill simulated a Mass Rescue Operation (MRO) following a concurrent aeronautical and maritime distress emergency.
Under the simulated scenario, a passenger aircraft carrying 228 people ditched at sea near Paradip Port, with its fuselage subsequently impacting the container vessel MV Zumba, causing structural damage and triggering a fire onboard.
The exercise involved the activation of an Incident Command Post, firefighting operations, helicopter evacuations, deployment of life rafts and air-droppable life rafts, Jason Cradle and Gemini recovery systems, rescue basket operations and scramble net procedures. The exercise also featured a demonstration of Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) capabilities.
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 line with the vision of SAGAR and the spirit of MAHASAGAR.
The exercise reinforced the principle that every distress call must receive a coordinated response and that every possible effort must be made to save lives at sea.
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