Coast Guard commissions fast patrol and interceptor vessels

Indian coastal security received a boost when two indigenously built ships, a fast patrol vessel and an interceptor boat, were commissioned into service by the Indian Coast Guard here on Monday, an official said.

Fast Patrol Vessel ICGS Apoorva and Interceptor Boat C-421 have been designed and built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd. and L&T Ltd., Surat.

The 14th in a series of 20, the ICGS Apoorva is a 50-metre long Fast Patrol Vessel which can achieve a top speed of 33 knots and displaces 317 tonnes.

Equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and advanced communication and navigational aids, it is an ideal platform for undertaking close-coast surveillance, interdiction, search and rescue, medical evacuation and other missions.

Captained by Commandant Dinesh Dogra and with a complement of five officers and 34 ranks, ICGS Apoorva -- meaning 'unparalleled' - will be based in Goa.

The Interceptor Boat, ICGS C-421 is 27.8 metres long and displaces 106 tonnes, and is the 27th in the series constructed by L&T Ltd., Surat.

It is fitted with medium-range armaments and with a top speed of 45 knots, it is designed for close coast and shallow water operations.

Commanded by Deputy Commandant Rohit Kulkarni, with one officer and 13 sailors, it will be based at Androth, in Lakshadweep and Minicoy Islands.

The vessels were commissioned by Vice-Admiral S.P.S. Cheema in the presence of Additional Director-General S.P. S. Basra, Inspector-General K. R. Natarajan and other senior dignitaries of the armed forces and shipping and police authorities.