ICGS Annie Besant makes maiden arrival to base port

It was welcomed by the Commander Coast Guard District Headquarters No.5 (TN), senior officers, men and families of the Indian Coast Guard.

The ship has been named in the honour of Annie Besant. ICGS Annie Besant, the third Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) of Priyadarshini class, was commissioned by Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar at Khidderpore Dock, Kolkata on January 12. According to a defence release, the ship is placed under the administrative and operational control of the Commander Coast Guard Region (East). ICGS Annie Besant is 48.9 metres long and has a beam of 7.5 metres with a displacement of 308 tonnes. The ship is fitted with the state-of-the-art navigational and communication equipment and sensors. It has an integrated bridge management system.

The ship’s main armament is 40/60 Bofors gun with a 12.7mm Stabilised Remote Control Gun (SRCG) fitted to enhance the fighting efficiency.

The ship carries one Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) and one Gemini boat each and is capable of undertaking multifaceted maritime operations such as Surveillance, Search and Rescue and Interdiction.

The ship has a complement of five Officers and 34 men and is commanded by Commandant (JG) Sunny Deo.