New Coast Guard vessel to strengthen Palk Straits vigil

Rameswaram, Jan 26 (UNI) In order to strengthen its vigil in the Palk Straits in the wake of the renewed strife between the Sri Lankan army and the LTTE, the Coast Guard has received a modern ship, according Mandapam Coast Guard Commander Mr Janardhanan.

The war ship 'Razia Sultan-P60', has been stationed in the international maritime coastal zone. A Coast Guard helicopter and a plastic boat have also been pressed into service for patrolling of Palk Straits. Another modern warship of the Coast Guard 'IC109' fitted with guns and capable of moving underwater also, has been deployed for patrolling the Palk Straits.

The ship has been brought from Orissa and is carrying a team of about 40 Coast Guard personnel are on patrol duty.

The two ships have been maintaining a round the clock vigil in the zone.

The vessel has also been kept for public view along with others on the occasion of Coast Guard Day to be observed on February 1.

As part of the celebrations, the Coast Guard will also conduct painting and drawing competitions and marathon runs in schools in the area. And on January 28 and 29, an awarness campaign on the duties of Coast Guard personnel would be conducted at the Engineering College in Ramanathapuram district.

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