The Indian Coast Guard conducted the 12th National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX-2026) off Paradip, Odisha on October 08, 2026, under the aegis of the National Maritime Search and Rescue Board. The exercise was themed "Leveraging Technology to Strengthen SAR Preparedness and Maritime Safety" and focused on demonstrating operational readiness, interoperability, and coordinated response to mass rescue operations at sea.
Director General Paramesh Sivamani, DG of ICG, reviewed the exercise which saw participation from multiple agencies including Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force, Shipping Corporation of India, Directorate General of Shipping, Fisheries, Customs, Marine Police, Paradip Port Authority, and Odisha State Administration. Notably, 32 observers from 30 countries participated, facilitating exchange of best practices and enhancing global interoperability while reaffirming India's role as a dependable maritime Search and Rescue partner in the region.
The exercise deployed substantial assets including 15 Coast Guard ships, three Dornier aircraft, three Advance Light Helicopters, one Chetak helicopter, IAF C-130J and Mi-17 aircraft, two Indian Navy ships, along with civil and state resources and shore-based support units. The sea drill simulated a Mass Rescue Operation following concurrent aeronautical and maritime distress emergencies where a passenger aircraft carrying 228 persons ditched at sea near Paradip Port, with the fuselage impacting the container vessel MV Zumba resulting in structural damage and fire.
The comprehensive exercise involved activation of the Incident Command Post, firefighting operations, helicopter evacuations, deployment of life rafts and air-droppable life rafts, Jason Cradle and Gemini recovery, rescue basket operations, and scramble net procedures. Additionally, the exercise included a demonstration of Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) capability, showcasing technological integration in search and rescue operations.
SAREX-2026 reaffirmed the collective resolve of India and its international partners to build a faster, technology-enabled and seamlessly coordinated Search and Rescue framework, in line with the vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the spirit of MAHASAGAR. The exercise reinforced the principle that every distress call must receive a coordinated response and every effort must be made to save lives at sea.