Coast Guard commissions two ships off Mumbai naval dockyard

The Indian Coast Guard on Monday commissioned two of its ships, Apoorva and C-421, off the Mumbai coast.

The ships were commissioned by Flag Officer Commanding in Chief, Western Naval Command, Mumbai, Vice Admiral SPS Cheema, off the naval dockyard in Mumbai.

Vice Admiral Cheema called it a historic day for the Indian Coast Guard.

"These ships bear testimony of how India is growing as a power, growing as a maritime power, and taking this dream of 'Make in India' a success in the true sense of the word," he said.

"We have to ensure that the seas are safe and secured and we have to utilise them to our nations benefit. The commissioning of these two ships is a big step towards that direction," he added.

ICGS Apoorva, 14th in the series of 20, is a 50 meter long Fast Patrol Vessel that displaces 317 tonnes and can achieve a maximum speed of 33 knots.

It is equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry, advanced communication and navigational equipment that make it fit for undertaking multifarious close-coast surveillance, interdiction, search and rescue and medical evacuation missions. It will be based at Goa.

ICGS C-421 is an interceptor boat and a water jet propelled vessel. The ship is designed for close coast and shallow water operations. The vessel will be based at Androth in Lakshadweep islands.