Seychelles ship arriving for refit work at Vishakhapatnam

New Delhi, Sep 12 (UNI) Seychelles Coast Guard frontline patrol ship 'Topaz', gifted by India in 2005, will arrive at Vishakhapatnam port tomorrow in its first port of call for 'Extended Refit' here.

The fast attack craft, earlier called 'INS Tarmugli', will undergo major repairs here at an estimated cost of nearly four million US dollars, according to the Defence Ministry.

The ship will undergo major repairs on its underwater and above water hull including shafting and propellers. Major overhauls would also be undertaken on its Main Engines, Diesel Generators, AC Plants, HP Air Compressors and other auxiliaries.

Tasked to detect, locate and destroy fast moving surface craft, 'Topaz' with a complement of four officers and 31 sailors and a maximum speed of 27 knots, is useful in bearing terrorist groups, anti-smuggling operations, fisheries protection and search and rescue (SAR) services.

The ship is also capable of mobilising a Quick Reaction Team (QRT) of up to a garrison of 35 men at short notice.

UNI AN BDP UCS1645