Every year during the monsoon, rough sea conditions translate to reduced sea patrolling and fewer deployments of Offshore Patrol Vessels (OSV) and interceptor crafts by maritime security forces.
Every year during the monsoon, rough sea conditions translate to reduced sea patrolling and fewer deployments of Offshore Patrol Vessels (OSV) and interceptor crafts by maritime security forces.
This year, however, steps are being taken to increase surveillance following recent security threats.
To avoid the bad sea conditions and yet not compromise security watch, the Indian Coast Guard has decided to increase air surveillance along the Maharashtra coastline.
“Although the number of ships and high speed crafts will be reduced, surveillance will be increased. Dornier aircrafts and helicopters like Chetak will be used to carry out surveillance and reconnaissance in the high seas. The number of sorties (deployments) done by the Dornier and helicopters will be doubled to keep a check on those trying to use the sea route to infiltrate the country,” said a senior Coast Guard officer.
Following the counter terror operations carried out in Pakistan last month by the United States Special Forces in which dreaded terrorist and Al Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden was killed, and the terrorist attack on the Mehran naval station in Karachi, a high alert was issued and sea security was beefed up in the country.
Also, the reported killing of Huji chief Illyas Kashmiri in a drone attack launched by US forces on Friday in Pakistan, has led the Indian armed forces to intensify vigil and checks along the border and coastline.
Fishing will be stopped in the sea by mid-June till July end for around 47 days, so small fishing vessels will not be spotted in the waters. A watch will be kept on merchant vessels and ships approaching the coast.
In addition, a new base station of the Coast Guard will be commissioned very soon at Dahanu, making it the third station after Mumbai and Murud. This is expected to further help keep a check and vigil on the coastline.
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