Port Blair, Feb. 27: One more Interceptor Boat (IB) of ICGS C-147 has joined the Coast Guard region today 27th Feb 2013. In the past one year, the Coast Guard has added two Interceptor Boats and one Dornier to their fleet in Andaman & Nicobar region. This IB is based at newly commissioned Coast Guard Station Mayabunder.
The C-147 was received at CG Jetty in a befitting manner at an impressive ‘Welcome Ceremony’. The function was attended by Air Marshal PK Roy, AVSM, VM, VSM Commander-in-Chief A&N Command, Inspector General VSR Murthy, PTM, TM Commander Coast Guard Region (A&N), Rear Admiral Sudhir Pillai, NM COS/ANC & other senior officers, CSOs and CO/OICs of various CG Ships and establishments in Port Blair.
Prior coming alongside CG Jetty, the Boat displayed impressive and breathe taking high speed maneuvers, which was well appreciated by one and all present during the function. The 90 Tonnes boat with an overall length of 28 meters, built by M/s ABG Shipyard, Surat was commissioned on 28 May 2010, and was initially based at Goa. The water jet propelled vessel is capable of doing high speed of 45 knots and has an endurance of 350 NM. The vessel is fitted with latest, state-of-the-art navigation, communication equipment and armament. The ship is commanded by Comdt (JG) Vikas Walia, and has compliment of 12 personnel. The boat has excellent track record and has credit of participating in prestigious President Fleet Review 2011 at Mumbai and various coastal security exercises conducted in the western seaboard.
In his welcome address, IG Murthy stated that addition of this fast patrol boat will add power to our punch and will enhance the capacity of the region towards the mandated task of Maritime Safety and Security. He expressed confidence that the ship will maintain the same tempo in the vibrant A&N region also and make dent to the morale of elements inimical to security of Andaman such as surveillance on human trafficking, unauthorised poaching and illegal immigration which are on the rise in recent times.
Speaking on the occasion Air Marshal P K Roy, CINCAN said with the joining of ICGS C-147 to the CG fleet, will not only help in augmenting surveillance & close coast operation for the security of North group of Islands but also in providing additional thrust for CG mandated tasks.
The impressive Police band added colour and frolic to the ceremony by playing melodious tunes during the welcome ceremony. A communiqué received from Commandant (JG) Rajeev Sharma, Public Relations Officer of the Coast Guard.