VISAKHAPATNAM: Designed to perform multifarious roles, Indian Coast Guard commissioned yet another Inshore Patrol Vessel (IPV) ICGS Rani Gaidinliu here on Wednesday. Named after the freedom fighter of Manipur Rani, the 51-metre IPV has been designed and built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited.
ICG director-general Rajendra Singh along with Manipur deputy chief minister Gaikhangam Gangmei and ICG region (East) Commander inspector-general Rajan Bargotra commissioned the vessel.
On the occasion, Rajendra Singh said that the IPV would focus on surveillance of maritime zones of India, search and rescue, anti-smuggling, anti-poaching and high speed interdictions. Rajendra Singh also said that the ICG since its inception in 1977, has grown steadily and at present has 122 ships and 62 aircraft.
Besides the major surface platforms, the ICG fleet includes Fast and Inshore patrol vessels and interceptor boats.
“During the last one year, the ICG’s search and rescue operations have resulted in saving 365 lives and extended assistance in the evacuation of 29 merchant mariners. The presence of Coast Guard ships at sea serves dual objectives of deterrence and reassurance,” Rajendra Singh said.
ICGS Rani Gaidinliu has five officers and 34 men commanded by Commandant Ramesh V Talke. It is equipped with the most advanced and sophisticated navigational and communication sensors as well as equipment.
The ship is propelled by three MTU 4000 series diesel engines of 2720 KW capacity and can achieve a maximum speed of 34 knots. It is also fitted with 30-mm CRN-91 gun onboard as main armament.
The ship will be based at Krishnapatnam.
Rani Gaidinliu
Rani Gaidinliu, a freedom fighter from Manipur, sought to drive out the British from Manipur. At the age of 16, she was arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment.
After her release in 1947, she worked for the uplift of people of Manipur.
For the commissioning of the Vessel, the Coast Guard authorities invited the deputy chief minister of Manipur and grandson of Rani Gaidinliu Adim Pamei.