States » EastPosted at: Oct 8 2026 7:46PM


Aircraft crash, ship fire scenario tests maritime rescue readiness off Paradip coast

Bhubaneswar, Oct 8 (UNI) A passenger aircraft crash at sea involving 228 people and a container vessel formed the centrepiece of a major mass-rescue drill off Paradip on Thursday, as the Indian Coast Guard tested the country’s preparedness to respond to complex maritime emergencies.
The 12th National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX-2026), conducted under the aegis of the National Maritime Search and Rescue Board, brought together the Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force and multiple civil and state agencies to demonstrate a coordinated response to a simulated simultaneous aeronautical and maritime distress emergency.
The exercise was reviewed by Coast Guard Director General Paramesh Sivamani and involved 15 Coast Guard ships, three Dornier aircraft, three Advanced Light Helicopters and a Chetak helicopter. The Indian Air Force deployed C-130J and Mi-17 aircraft, while the Navy fielded two ships. Civil and state agencies also participated.
Under the scenario, a passenger aircraft carrying 228 people ditched near Paradip Port, with its fuselage striking the container vessel MV Zumba, causing structural damage and a fire. The drill involved activation of an Incident Command Post, firefighting, helicopter evacuation, deployment of life rafts and air-droppable life rafts, and multiple rescue techniques, including Jason Cradle, Gemini recovery, rescue baskets and scramble nets. Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) capability was also demonstrated.
The exercise, held under the theme “Leveraging Technology to Strengthen SAR Preparedness and Maritime Safety,” also saw the participation of 32 observers from 30 countries. Their presence was aimed at strengthening international cooperation, sharing best practices, and improving interoperability in maritime search and rescue.
SAREX-2026 reaffirmed India’s focus on building a faster, technology-driven and coordinated maritime rescue framework and strengthening its role as a reliable search-and-rescue partner in the region.
UNI MK RSA
Tags: #Aircraft crash# ship fire scenario tests maritime rescue readiness off Paradip coast
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