By IANS,
Mumbai : The Indian Coast Guard Friday inducted a new generation Arneson surface drive (ASD) propulsion system-equipped interceptor boat at a ceremony here.
The C-154 was commissioned into service in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Secretary J.K. Banthia and Coast Guard Inspector General (West) S.P.S. Basra.
The 28-metre-long vessel, with 75 tonnes displacement, can achieve a maximum speed of 35 knots. Fitted with state of the art navigation and communication equipment and medium range armament, it is designed for high speed interception, close-coast patrol, low-intensity maritime operations, search & rescue and maritime surveillance.
“This ship will be based at Mumbai and will be serving the entire coast of Maharashtra. It will also help in securing the western coast of the country,” Basra said.
The newly-commissioned vessel is capable of operating in shallow water as well as in deep seas. It is fitted with two main engines of 1,630 KW each and has a complement of one officer and 12 men.
Speaking on the twin explosions that rocked Hyderabad Thursday, Banthia said the state government has taken a serious note of the tragedy.
“Apart from issuing high alert in the state, such efforts of strengthening our coastline are also necessary. All the authorities responsible for handling the security of coasts are working in tandem,” he said.