Archive · 11 Oct 2026
Indian Coast Guard Conducts SAREX-2026 off Paradip Coast
The Indian Coast Guard held a large rescue practice near Paradip, Odisha.
It was called SAREX-2026 and brought many Indian agencies together.
Observers from 30 countries also watched.
The practice imagined an airplane carrying 228 people landing in the sea and hitting a ship.
Responders practised fighting a fire and rescuing people with boats, aircraft, helicopters, and special equipment.
The exercise tested how quickly different teams could work together and share information.
Its organizers said the lessons could help improve future rescue plans.
The Coast Guard said it has saved 11,897 people in rescue missions over five decades.
The Indian Coast Guard held its 12th National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise off Paradip, Odisha.
The exercise’s theme was “Leveraging Technology to Strengthen SAR Preparedness and Maritime Safety.”
A simulated emergency involved an aircraft carrying 228 people ditching near Paradip Port and striking the container vessel MV Zumba, causing damage and fire.
The exercise involved Indian maritime and aviation agencies and deployed ships, aircraft, helicopters, and shore-based support.
Organizers said the exercise tested coordination and procedures; the Coast Guard reported 4,390 search-and-rescue missions and 11,897 lives saved over five decades.
- Who
- The Indian Coast Guard led the exercise, with Indian maritime and aviation agencies and observers from 30 countries.
- What
- The 12th National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise, SAREX-2026, practised a coordinated mass rescue at sea.
- When
- The articles identify the exercise as SAREX-2026 but do not give specific dates.
- Where
- Off Paradip, Odisha, near Paradip Port.
- Why
- To test coordinated search-and-rescue readiness, procedures, technology use, and responses to complex emergencies at sea.
Exercise organizers
Operational challenges identified
Exercise outcomes
Exercise organizers
The exercise demonstrated readiness, interoperability, international cooperation, and the value of technology-enabled rescue coordination.
Operational challenges identified
The exercise also aimed to identify operational gaps and incorporate lessons learned into future preparedness.
- Exercise
- 12th National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX-2026)
- Lead agency
- Indian Coast Guard, under the aegis of the National Maritime Search and Rescue Board
- Location
- Off Paradip, Odisha
- Theme
- “Leveraging Technology to Strengthen SAR Preparedness and Maritime Safety”
- International observers
- 32 observers from 30 countries
- Simulated aircraft passengers
- 228
- Coast Guard record
- 4,390 SAR missions, 11,897 lives saved, and 530 medical evacuations over five decades