- SAREX-2026 was the 12th National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise, held October 8, 2026
- Director General Paramesh Sivamani reviewed the exercise off Paradip, Odisha
- Simulated scenario: passenger aircraft with 228 people ditched near Paradip Port
- Ten agencies, including Navy, Air Force and Customs, took part
- 32 observers from 30 countries watched the drill
The Indian Coast Guard held the 12th National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise, SAREX-2026, off Paradip in Odisha on October 8, 2026. The National Maritime Search and Rescue Board (NMSARB) oversaw the drill. Its theme was the use of technology to improve search and rescue readiness and safety at sea.
Director General Paramesh Sivamani reviewed the exercise. Maritime and aviation agencies tested how well they work together and how they respond to mass rescues at sea.
Agencies and assets on the water and in the air
The Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force, Shipping Corporation of India, Directorate General of Shipping, Fisheries, Customs, Marine Police, Paradip Port Authority and Odisha State Administration all took part.
Assets deployed included 15 Coast Guard ships, three Dornier aircraft, three Advance Light Helicopters and one Chetak helicopter. Two Indian Navy ships and IAF C-130J and Mi-17 aircraft also joined. Civil and state resources and shore-based support units backed the operation.
The mock emergency at sea
The drill simulated a mass rescue after an aircraft and a ship were hit by emergencies at the same time. A passenger plane carrying 228 people came down on the sea near Paradip Port. Its fuselage struck the container vessel MV Zumba, causing structural damage and a fire.
Teams set up an Incident Command Post and fought the fire. They carried out helicopter evacuations and deployed life rafts, including air-droppable ones. Crews used Jason Cradle and Gemini recovery, rescue baskets and scramble nets. The exercise also showed a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) in action.
Overseas observers and next steps
32 observers from 30 countries joined the exercise. Officials said their presence helped share best practices and improve global coordination. It also showed India as a dependable search and rescue partner in the region.
The exercise supports the SAGAR vision and the MAHASAGAR spirit. Its main message was that every distress call must get a coordinated response, and every effort must be made to save lives at sea.
