ICGS Samarth is the Indian Coast Guard's latest and largest Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV). Samarth is first in the series of six 105m offshore patrol vessels and has been built by Goa Shipyard Limited. The vessel was commissioned to coast guard service on 10 November 2015 by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar. Samarth is based in Goa is extensively used for patrolling along the Exclusive Economic Zone and other duties as it is set to be extensively used along on the Western Seaboard. The vessel will be under the command of a Deputy Inspector-General.[2]
 ICGS Samarth patrolling in the Arabian Sea
| |
| History | |
|---|---|
 India | |
| Name | Samarth |
| Namesake | 'Capable' |
| Owner | Indian Coast Guard |
| Builder | Goa Shipyard Limited |
| Acquired | 30 October 2015 |
| Commissioned | 10 November 2015 |
| Status | in active service |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Samarth-class offshore patrol vessel |
| Displacement | 2,450 tonnes (2,700 short tons)[1] |
| Length | 105 m (344 ft) |
| Propulsion | 2 X diesel engines 9,100 kW (12,200 hp) each |
| Speed | In excess of 23 kn (43 km/h; 26 mph) |
| Endurance | 6,000 nmi (11,000 km) |
| Complement | 98(14 Officers)[1] |
| Aircraft carried |
|
Service history
editIn 2018 ICGS Samarth and Shoor, along with Indian Navy vessels, took part in an operation to seize UAE princess Latifa bint Mohammed Al Maktoum with controversy as to whether this was a hostage rescue or, in cooperation with the UAE, an attempt to thwart the princess' escape from the UAE.[3][4]
On 27 February 2024, Samarth and Abhinav arrived at the Port of Galle, situated in Galle, Sri Lanka, as part of a formal visit. Following the completion of the official engagement, the coast guard vessels departed the port on 1 March 2024 and sailed to the Port of Colombo.[5]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b "Largest CG offshore patrol vessel commissioned". Daily Excelsior. 10 November 2015. Retrieved 10 November 2015.
- ^ "ICGS Samarth commissioned; to boost Goa coastal security". Business Standard. 10 November 2015. Retrieved 10 November 2015.
- ^ Chaudhry, Gargi (30 March 2018). "'Kidnapped' Dubai Princess returns safely to UAE with India's help". Deccan Chronicle.
- ^ "Former spy wants FBI to investigate raid to snatch Dubai princess Sheikha Latifa". mid-day. 10 April 2018.
- ^ "Two Indian Coast Guard Ships Arrive in Galle". Sri Lanka Coast Guard. 1 March 2024. Archived from the original on 26 August 2024. Retrieved 26 August 2024.