India's Coast Guard holds 12th edition of SAREX-2026 maritime search and rescue drill near Paradip, Odisha on October 8, 2026

Key facts

• The Indian Coast Guard conducted the 12th National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX-2026) off Paradip, Odisha, on October 08, 2026, under the aegis of the National Maritime Search and Rescue Board (NMSARB).
• The exercise, themed 'Leveraging Technology to Strengthen SAR Preparedness and Maritime Safety', was reviewed by Director General Paramesh Sivamani, DG, Indian Coast Guard.
• 32 observers from 30 countries participated in SAREX-2026, strengthening international cooperation in maritime Search and Rescue.
• Assets deployed included 15 Coast Guard ships, three Dornier aircraft, three Advance Light Helicopters, one Chetak helicopter, IAF C-130J and Mi-17 aircraft, and two Indian Navy ships.
• The sea drill simulated a Mass Rescue Operation in which a passenger aircraft carrying 228 persons ditched at sea near Paradip Port and its fuselage struck the container vessel MV Zumba, causing structural damage and fire.
• The exercise featured firefighting operations, helicopter evacuations, life raft deployments, rescue basket and scramble net procedures, and a demonstration of Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) capability, in line with the vision of SAGAR and the spirit of MAHASAGAR.