CHENNAI: In one of the largest search and rescue operation drills Sarex-2022 held off the coast of Chennai, 16 Indian Coast Guard ships and seven aircraft, one navy ship, one air force helicopter, a navy helicopter, a boat from customs and a tug from Chennai Port simultaneously 'rescued' around 300 people on Sunday.
Two accident scenarios - a stricken passenger ship with 500 passengers that has caught fire and a plane with 200 passengers that has crashed into the sea - were simulated in the sea to demonstrate different techniques and technology used to save life quickly. Remote controlled buoys, a recent acquisition, advanced light helicopters and drones were used for the exercise. Representatives from 16 countries observed the exercise. Passenger ship Swarajdweep which is used on Chennai-Port Blair route was used as the stricken vessel.
