Sri Lanka Navy’s Offshore Patrol Vessel, SLNS Sagara, which took part in the coastguard exercise “DOSTI – XI” held in the seas off Male from 23rd to 27th April 2012, returned on 29th April 2012 concluding a successful voyage.
The 5-day exercise was conducted jointly by Indian, Sri Lankan and Maldivian Coast Guards with the aim of strengthening bonds of friendship and enhancing mutual operational capability and cooperation. The trilateral coastguard exercise focused on Maritime Search and Rescue, Marine Pollution Response and Boarding Operations.
The mutually beneficial exercise highlighted the importance of launching coordinated efforts to ensure the safety and security of sea-farers. Participants were able to gain valuable insights into achieving inter-operability which is vital for tackling piracy and related maritime security concerns in the geo-strategically important Indian Ocean.
Representing the Indian Coast Guard, Indian Coast Guard Ships “Sankalp” and “Subhadra” took part while Maldivian Coast Guard Ships “Huravee”, “Ghazee” and “Shaheed Ali” of the Maldivian National Defence Force (MNDF) represented the Maldivian Coast Guard. The Sri Lanka Coast Guard participated for the first time and it was represented by SLNS Sagara of the Sri Lanka Navy.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff , April 30, 2012; Image: navy