Indian Coast Guard Showcases Superior Readiness With Major Rescue Drill Near Mangaluru

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) District Headquarters No. 3 in Karnataka orchestrated a comprehensive Regional Search and Rescue Exercise (ReSAREX–25) off the Mangaluru coast on Thursday, underscoring the nation's robust maritime emergency response framework. Organised under the supervision of the Coast Guard Regional Headquarters in Mumbai, the drill brought together a diverse array of stakeholders to simulate a high-stakes mass rescue operation at sea.

This initiative reflects the ICG's ongoing efforts to bolster interagency coordination amid rising maritime traffic and potential hazards in the Arabian Sea, a vital corridor for India's trade and energy imports. The exercise arrives at a time when coastal security remains a national priority, following recent enhancements in surveillance and response capabilities post the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

The scenario unfolded with a simulated distress call from the dhow Al Badariya, reporting a catastrophic engine room fire rapidly spreading to the upper deck, endangering over two dozen crew members approximately 20 nautical miles offshore. Activating the contingency plan for mass rescue operations (MRO), the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Mumbai stepped in as the search and rescue mission coordinator (SMC), while the Maritime Rescue Sub Centre (MRSC) in New Mangalore served as the on-ground command post. Participants executed a multi-phased response: external firefighting by ICG vessels, helicopter-based medical evacuations, diver-led boarding operations, and innovative drone deployments of lifebuoys and remote-activated life jackets.

A Coast Guard Dornier aircraft air-dropped liferafts, and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams facilitated casualty transfers to nearby hospitals, including Srinivas Hospital. Assets from fixed-wing and rotary aircraft, marine police boats, New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) tugs, and personnel from Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) converged seamlessly, demonstrating high operational tempo under simulated adverse conditions.

Key dignitaries, including Karnataka Director General of Police (Intelligence, Security, and Vigilance) Pronab Mohanty as chief guest, observed the proceedings aboard the ICG ship Vikram after embarking from the New Mangalore Port. Mohanty was joined by officials from the Indian Mission Control Centre (INMCC), Coastal Security Police, and other agencies. The involvement of state and central bodies highlighted the exercise's emphasis on unified action, addressing gaps in communication and logistics that could arise during real crises. Deputy Inspector General PK Mishra TM, Commander of the Coast Guard District Headquarters in Karnataka, welcomed the guests and later praised the event's success in validating response mechanisms.

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ReSAREX–25 not only tested but also elevated the collective readiness of maritime stakeholders, reaffirming the ICG's pivotal role in safeguarding India's 7,500-kilometre coastline. DIG Mishra emphasised the drill's alignment with the service's motto, Vayam Rakshamah—"We Protect"—signalling an unwavering dedication to preserving lives and assets in territorial waters. As climate change and geopolitical tensions amplify sea-based risks, such exercises are indispensable for maintaining India's status as a blue-water navy contender. Future iterations may incorporate emerging technologies like AI-driven surveillance, ensuring evolving threats are met with adaptive strategies.

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