The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully conducted the 12th National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise, SAREX-2026, on 8 October 2026 off the Paradip coast in Odisha. Held under the aegis of the National Maritime Search and Rescue Board, the drill tested India’s readiness to respond to complex, large-scale emergencies at sea under the theme “Leveraging Technology to Strengthen SAR Preparedness and Maritime Safety.”
Keywords: SAREX-2026, Indian Coast Guard, maritime search and rescue, Paradip Odisha, MEOSAR system
Conducted approximately 45 km offshore, the sea phase simulated a concurrent aeronautical and maritime distress scenario. A passenger aircraft carrying 228 people ditched near Paradip Port, with its fuselage striking the container vessel MV Zumba, causing structural damage and a fire. Response elements included rapid activation of an Incident Command Post, coordinated firefighting, helicopter evacuations, deployment of conventional and air-droppable life rafts, and specialised recovery systems such as the Jason Cradle, Gemini recovery equipment, rescue baskets and scramble nets.
A substantial multi-agency force was deployed, comprising 15 Coast Guard ships, three Dornier aircraft, three Advanced Light Helicopters, one Chetak helicopter, an Indian Air Force C-130J and Mi-17, two Indian Navy ships, and supporting civil and state resources. Director General Paramesh Sivamani reviewed the exercise, which was observed by 32 delegates from 30 countries. Their presence underscored growing international cooperation and India’s role as a reliable maritime search-and-rescue partner in the region.
The exercise also marked the commissioning of the indigenous Medium Earth Orbit Search and Rescue (MEOSAR) system, including the Indian Medium Earth Orbit Local User Terminal. The system enables near real-time detection and more accurate positioning of distress beacons by utilising multiple satellite constellations, representing a significant advance over earlier LEOSAR and GEOSAR networks.
SAREX-2026 demonstrated effective inter-agency interoperability, validated operational procedures and highlighted the integration of advanced technology in maritime safety. Aligned with the MAHASAGAR vision, the drill reinforced the collective commitment to faster, coordinated responses that prioritise saving lives at sea.
contact: drrajeshjauhri@gmail.com
Dr Rajesh Jauhri is a Journalist with an experience of over 25 years in Indian and foreign media, a Social Scientist, an Ac-complished Author, a Political & Strategic Analyst, a Marksman (Rifle & Pistol), an Orator, a Thinker and an Educationist. He holds a Ph.D. degree on “Impact of colonial heritage on Indian police”. He runs an NGO dedicated to the social and eco-nomic uplift of tribal communities in MP and two decades back, he established a school in a village of Indore district, providing education and moral values to children belonging to underprivileged and minority families. Has received multiple awards in various fields.
