Colombo, July 2 (newsin.asia): The Hydrographic Survey Ship of the Indian Navy, INS Sarvekshak entered Colombo after the successful completion of a survey in three areas off Colombo.
INS Sarvekshak progressed 807 miles of Side Scan Sonar survey utilizing integral sensors and two survey boats in adverse weather conditions, which could have otherwise been delayed to post-Monsoon in October due to rough seas, an Indian High Commission press release said.
The ship’s team worked overnight to process gigabytes of data collected during the day, to meet the timelines. Post the survey, the ship identified 54 underwater debris and also one ship-wreck. The survey data would be invaluable in issuing advisories to mariners and fishermen which would later assist in the removal of debris by the salvior to achieve safety of navigation, the release said.
INS Sarvekshak was deployed immediately on a request from the Government of Sri Lanka on June 23 2021 to conduct a survey in the vicinity of the ill-fated MV X-Press Pearl. The survey operation was coordinated between the Indian Navy, Sri Lanka Navy and National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA).
The continued assistance to Sri Lanka in the recent maritime incidents has showcased India’s ‘Neighborhood First’ policy through swift and timely support in mitigating various calamities in the Indian Ocean Region.
INS Sarvekshak was welcomed at the Colombo terminal by Commander of the Western Naval Area Rear Adm Upul DeSilva. A felicitation ceremony was organized to mark the completion of the survey. The chief guest at the ceremony was Hon. Minister of Fisheries Douglas Devananda. During the ceremony, High Commissioner of India Gopal Baglay handed over the Fairsheet of the survey to the Minister.
Speaking at the ceremony, Devananda thanked the Government of India and the Indian Navy in particular for their prompt response and acknowledged India’s vision of Safety and Growth for All In the Region (SAGAR) through this gesture.
High Commissioner Gopal Baglay highlighted that India and Sri Lanka have cooperated on many occasions for the mitigation of maritime disasters. He expressed happiness that as part of Op. Sagar Aaraksha 2, he had the opportunity to personally see off the Indian Coast Guard ships and participate in the event to felicitate the survey effort undertaken by INS Sarveshak. He also expressed pride in India’s assistance in restoring the livelihood of Sri Lankan fishermen along the western coast.
The ceremony was also attended by State Minister of Fisheries Kanchana Wijesekara, Mrs R.M.I. Rathnayaka Secretary of Ministry of Fisheries, Jayantha Chandrasoma, Secretary of State Ministry of Fisheries, the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Port Control Capt. Nihal Keppetipola and A Navaratneraja, Chairman NARA, amongst other dignitaries from the Department of Fisheries and NARA.
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