Coast Guard commissions C-404 ship at Vizhinjam

: Indian Coast Guard today commissioned a C-404 ship capable of operating in close and shallow waters at Vizhinjam harbour near here.
E K Bharat Bhushan, Chief Secretary of Kerala, who launched the ship, lauded the diverse services of Coast Guard such as search and rescue, helping mariners and fisherfolk in distress, medical evacuation and marine environment protection.
It was also important that Coast Guard personnel often carried out their tasks braving braving bad seas, heavy winds and rains, he said.
The induction of interceptor boat C-404 will enhance the capability of the Coast Guard to respond to emergencies in Coastal Security, Search and Rescue and enforcement of maritime laws off Kerala coast.

The C-404 is the fourth in its series of Interceptor Boats (IB) built by L&T Ship Yard Ltd, Surat with 28.3 Metres length and 96 ton displacement.
The vessel is commanded by Deputy Commandant T N Ngamelin and has 11 crew members.

The water jet propelled vessel has an endurance of 500 Nautical Miles at a speed of 25 knots and is capable of touching maximum speed upto 45 knots. It is fitted with state-of-the-art navigation and communication equipment and medium range armament.
It is designed for close coast and shallow water operations and will be based at Beypore after commissioning.

Inspector General S P S Basra, Commander Coast Guard Region (West), said the Coast Guard has been able to achieve a steadfast growth by adding more surface and air assets to its fleet for countering various maritime threats.