Coastguard vessel Savitribai Phule commissioned in Goa

Panaji, Oct 28 (UNI) Director General of the Indian Coast Guard Vice-admiral R F Contractor today commissioned the state-of-the-art ship Savitribai Phule, the fifth and last in the series of extra fast patrol vessels, from the launch bay of the Goa Shipyard Limited(GSL) in South Goa.

The ship, manned by five officers and a 32-member crew, will be based at the Mangalore port under the operational and administrative command of the inspector general of the coastguard, A Rajasekhar.

The GSL has built the 265-tonne ship which has a maximum range of 1500 nautical miles and it can attain speeds in excess of 35 knots.

Its Global Maritime Distress Safety Systems console enables receipt of distress calls from fishermen and other merchant marine vessels at high seas thereby facilitating search and rescue missions effectively, officials said.

This is part of the Indian Coast Guard's plan to induct high speed vessels, bigger platforms and specialised vessels in phases to augment its existing fleet to play a major role in defending the maritime borders and the exclusive economic zone.

The vessel with its high-speed capabilities and superior operational planning platform was expected to enhance the effectiveness of the patrol mission of the Indian Coast Guard, officials informed.

These vessels would be used to enhance the efficiency of the coast guard in curbing piracy, checking drug peddling and preventing infiltration of insurgents, officials added.

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