Coast Guard to get six hovercrafts

MUMBAI, JAN 30: For the first time, the Coast Guard have inducted six hovercrafts to intensify coastal patrolling against smuggling of arms and narcotics which pose threat to the maritime environment.

Speaking to The Indian Express, the Deputy Inspector General (Western Region) Arun Mahajan said that the hovercrafts have been ordered to overcome certain restraints while patrolling in shallow waters along the coastline. The deal has been finalised and the vessels would be joining the fleet soon, Mahajan added.

Emphasing the role to the Coast Guard during a `day at sea’, Mahajan said oil pollution along the shoreline, poaching and safeguarding offshore installations are some of the key functions faced by the force. Not to mention carrying out salvaging and rescue operation during calamities like storms and floods, said Mahajan.

Coast Guard’s role assumes significance as more than 11 Pakistani and Sri Lankan fishing vessels with a crew of 88 were impounded in the littoral waters in recent years.