The Indian Coast Guards’ (CG) patrolling ship ‘Shaunak’ has been deployed off the Odisha coast to keep a close watch on any terrorist activities on the sea during the Rath Yatra here.
According to sources, the vessel moved to Puri along with a chopper for patrolling despite of the cloudy weather. In view of possible terror strike during a religious event in a pilgrim town, where lakhs of devotees flock, the ship has been commissioned to foil any such incident.
Shaunak is patrolling everyday from Paradip to the Puri coast, said a senior official. The 105-meter-long patrol vessel built by the Goa Shipyard, features a 30mm CRN naval gun, an integrated bridge system, an integrated machinery control system, a power management system and a high-power external firefighting system.
The ship can move with a speed of 48.15 km per hour. The 9,100-kw two-diesel engine ship is designed to carry a twin-engine light helicopter and five high-speed boats, including two quick reaction inflatable ones, for swift boarding operations, search and rescue, law enforcement and maritime patrol. A total of 14 Coast Guard officers, 98 jawans and sailors are currently working in the vessel.