The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) conducted the 11th edition of National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX-2024) off the Kochi coast on November 29, 2024. The two-day exercise was inaugurated by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh on November 28, 2024, and reviewed by Director General ICG Paramesh Sivamani. SAREX-2024, with the theme 'Enhancing Search and Rescue Capabilities Through Regional Collaboration', highlighted the importance of international cooperation in strengthening maritime safety.

The first day of the event featured various programmes, including table-top exercise, workshop & seminars involving participation of senior officials from government agencies, Ministries & Armed Forces, various stakeholders and foreign delegates. The second day comprised the sea exercise involving large scale contingencies off the Kochi coast with participation of ships & aircraft of various agencies.

The simulated contingency involved a passenger aircraft crash, wherein an aircraft carrying 250 passengers encountered severe technical failure, losing communication with Air Traffic Control and vanishing from radar approximately 150 nautical miles northwest of Kochi. A coordinated Mass Rescue Operation (MRO) was swiftly initiated, demonstrating the seamless deployment of resources, including ships and aircraft from the ICG, Indian Air Force (IAF), tugs from Cochin Port Authority, three water metros, one Garuda rescue & emergency craft from Kochi Water Metro and a water ambulance provided by the Kerala State Administration. Key operations included:

• Life raft drops by IAF aircraft and ICG ships
• Passenger evacuation using Advanced Light Helicopters
• Crew rescue operations utilising Jason Cradle technology
• The innovative deployment of drones to deliver lifebuoys

The successful execution of these operations underscored the high level of coordination and preparedness among participating agencies.

The exercise aimed to validate standard operating procedures and best practices for conducting MROs. It served as a vital platform to enhance mutual understanding, foster collaboration, and exchange effective strategies for managing large-scale maritime contingencies. The event also saw participation from members of the National Maritime Search and Rescue Board and 38 distinguished foreign observers.

Over the years, ICG has emerged as a leading maritime agency, driving India's efforts to build a robust maritime search and rescue framework. By consistently collaborating with various stakeholders, ICG plays a pivotal role in enhancing maritime safety and security. These initiatives align with the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi's vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR), reinforcing India's reputation as a reliable and proactive maritime partner on the global stage.