Indian Coast Guard Conducts Regional Search and Rescue Exercise off Karnataka Coast
Mangaluru, Oct 09, 2025: The Indian Coast Guard conducted a large-scale Regional Search and Rescue Exercise (ReSAREX–25) off the Karnataka coast on October 8 and 9 to test preparedness for mass rescue operations at sea. The exercise, led by the District Headquarters No. 3 (Karnataka) under the Coast Guard Regional Headquarters (West), Mumbai, focused on improving coordination among maritime search and rescue agencies.
More than a dozen agencies, including the Karnataka Police, NDRF, New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA), MRPL, Coastal Security Police, Srinivas Hospital, and the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), Mumbai, participated in the two-day drill.
The exercise simulated a major fire onboard a dhow, Al Badariya, in the Arabian Sea, triggering activation of the contingency plan for a Mass Rescue Operation (MRO). MRCC Mumbai assumed charge as Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator (SMC), while MRSC New Mangalore functioned as the command post.
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Operations included external firefighting, air-dropping of life rafts, drone-assisted deployment of life-saving gear, helicopter medical evacuation, and casualty transfer by NDRF teams. Multiple Coast Guard ships, aircraft, divers, and assets from stakeholder agencies participated in the coordinated rescue response.
DGP ISD Dr. Pronab Mohanty was the Chief Guest, accompanied by senior officials from central and state departments. They embarked on ICGS Vikram, where they were received by DIG P.K. Mishra, Commander, Coast Guard Karnataka.
ReSAREX–25 validated inter-agency communication, rescue coordination, and operational readiness for handling large-scale maritime emergencies, reaffirming its motto, “Vayam Rakshamah” (We Protect).
