Indian Coast Guard set to celebrate 42nd anniversary

An official release here on Thursday said the interim Coast Guard came into existence on Feb one, 1977, with a fleet strength of seven ships for surveillance of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of India.

The Indian Coast Guard fleet has grown into a formidable force with 62 aircraft and 139 surface units, including 18 hovercrafts. The entire coastline of India and National Maritime Zones have been divided into five Coast Guard Regions, so that

the Indian Coast Guard effectively discharges its mandated roles at various locations through Coast Guard District Headquarters, Stations and Coast Guard Air stations.

As the fourth largest Coast Guard in the world, the ICG through its tireless pursuits of excellence has established itself as a reliable force that responds with alacrity to situations impinging on the security of our coastline, safety of the seafaring community and coastal populace, legitimate economic activity in the EEZ and the protection of maritime environment.

‘’True to its motto Vayam Rakshamah meaning We Protect, the service has its credit of saving 9193 lives, 382 medical evacuations and apprehending 14,968 defaulters and law breakers since inception’’, it said.

To commemorate, the ICG’S 42 years of yeoman service to the nation, the Headquarters Coast Guard Region (East) was conducting a series of events.