Antony to commission new patrol vessel into Coast Guard

New Delhi, May 19 (UNI) The Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) 'Sankalp', that will provide additional capabilities to the Coast Guard to launch quick search and rescue and maritime pollution control missions, will be commissioned tomorrow.

Defence Minister A K Antony will induct the 5th Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV) into the Coast Guard at a function in Goa tomorow.

The ship has been designed and built indigenously by the Defence PSU Goa Shipyard Ltd, to carry a twin engine helicopter, including the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), and five high speed boats for search and rescue, prompt interception and marine pollution response missions. It is also equipped with sophisticated navigational and communication sensors.

The special features include an integrated bridge system, integrated machinery control system, high-power external fire fighting system, and two indigenously built Gun Mounts. Besides, an Infra-Red Surveillance System will provide the vessel with the much required night vision capability.

The ship, to be based in Mumbai, is 105 meters long, draws 2,300 tonnes and is propelled by 8000 hp twin diesel engines to a maximum speed of 25 knots. It can sail up to 6,500 nautical miles without refueling.

Coast Guard DIG K S Sheoran will be the first commandant of the 'Sankalp'.

The Coast Guard plans to induct one more AOPV, three Pollution Control Vessels (PCVs), five Inshore Patrol Vessels (IPVs) and 11 Interceptor Boats (IBs), which are under various stages of construction at the Indian shipyards, into its fleet by next year. UNI NAB GL NS1851