The Indian Coast Guard Region (East) conducted its Regional Search and Rescue exercise, SAREX at Kakinada from 28 Mar to 29 Mar 2023.

The aim of the exercise was to conduct a real time exercise of maritime distress scenario within regional Area of Responsibility (AoR) and highlight the functioning of Search and Rescue(SAR) organisation for a Mass Rescue Operation (MRO) and activating the state disaster contingency plan.

As per an official release the exercise involved all resource agencies with effective use of available resources towards M-SAR contingency efficiently and effectively for a timely response.

The two-day long workshop and exercise enhanced knowledge and understanding, promoted cooperation and coordination amongst member agencies for a MRO, wherein, the efforts of a single agency may not be sufficient.

The two-day Workshop and Exercise witnessed large scale participation of all stakeholders, resource agencies and District administration towards a coordinated effort to address any eventuality at sea.

Sea area off Kakinada was selected as the venue for the exercise considering large scale exploration and production activities in the Krishna Godavari basin which makes the area potential to emergencies necessitating large scale SAR response.