Port Blair, May 17: In an impressive ceremony, Indian Coast Guard Ship Rajkiran was based at Port Blair on 17 May 19. The ship is third of its class and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. The ship was based at Haldia (West Bengal) since its commissioning. The occasion was graced in the presence of Smt Anusia Devi, Chairperson PBMC as Chief Guest. The basing plaque was unveiled by the Chief Guest in presence of Comdt Manish Kumar Negi, Commander Coast Guard Dist. Hq. - 14 and Comdt (JG) T Ngamlien, TM Commanding Officer of ICGS Rajkiran. The ship has a complement of 34 crew.

The inclusion of Fast Patrol Vessel into the fleet of ICG in Andaman and Nicobar region will strengthen the maritime security and SAR coverage in the region. The ship has been planned to be based at Mayabundar on availability of berthing facility at that port.

It is the need of time to enhance afloat asset in the region to augment patrolling for safeguarding Indian Maritime interests and the steps are being taken by ICG to ensure the same.

Speaking on the occasion, Smt Anusia Devi, applauded the efforts of the ICG in maintaining a high state of vigil in region and saving precious human lives during Search and Rescue (SAR) operation and aiding the state administration during cyclones, floods and other natural calamities. 

The ship will function under the administrative and operational control of the Commander Coast Guard Dist. Hq- 14 (South Andaman).