Archive · 8 Oct 2026
Coast Guard Meeting Prepares SAREX-2026 Maritime Rescue Exercise
The Indian Coast Guard held a meeting about how to rescue people in trouble at sea.
Officials discussed using technology and sharing information so rescue teams can find people and respond faster.
They also talked about working closely with other Indian agencies and rescue teams in other countries.
A large practice exercise called SAREX-2026 is planned near Paradip in October 2026.
It will practise responding to an aircraft landing in the sea and an incident involving a ship.
The exercise is expected to include many ships, aircraft, and other rescue teams.
Observers from 30 countries are expected to watch.
The meeting also gave awards to people and units recognized for helping save lives at sea.
The Indian Coast Guard’s 24th National Maritime Search and Rescue Board meeting reviewed India’s readiness across its 4.6 million-square-kilometre Search and Rescue Region.
Officials discussed vessel tracking, distress alerts, real-time information sharing, technology, and faster coordination and mobilization of rescue assets.
SAREX-2026 is scheduled for October 7–8, 2026, with an inauguration by Sanjay Seth and a rescue demonstration off Paradip.
The planned exercise will simulate an aircraft ditching at sea with 228 people aboard and an impact involving container vessel MV Zumba.
Organizers expect 32 observers from 30 countries; the meeting also presented 2026 awards for maritime rescue actions.
- Who
- The Indian Coast Guard and representatives of Indian maritime, aviation, government, and coastal agencies; Sanjay Seth is scheduled to inaugurate SAREX-2026.
- What
- The 24th National Maritime Search and Rescue Board meeting reviewed preparedness and set the stage for SAREX-2026.
- When
- The meeting is reported as having been convened; SAREX-2026 is scheduled for October 7–8, 2026.
- Where
- The meeting was associated with Bhubaneswar; the exercise demonstration is planned off Paradip, Odisha.
- Why
- To strengthen maritime search-and-rescue readiness, coordination, technology use, and international interoperability.
Meeting status in reports
Different reported timing
Whether the board meeting had taken place
Meeting status in reports
One report says the Indian Coast Guard convened the 24th NMSAR Board meeting and another describes the Director General speaking after chairing it.
Different reported timing
Another report describes the Coast Guard as set to convene the meeting in Bhubaneswar, leaving its timing unclear across the reports.
- Board
- The 24th National Maritime Search and Rescue Board meeting; the Board was constituted in 2002.
- Chair
- Indian Coast Guard Director General Paramesh Sivamani chaired the meeting.
- Search and Rescue Region
- The Indian Search and Rescue Region covers 4.6 million square kilometres.
- Rescue coordination network
- The Coast Guard operates three Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres and 36 Maritime Rescue Sub-Centres.
- Exercise schedule
- SAREX-2026 is scheduled to be inaugurated on October 7, 2026, with a demonstration off Paradip on October 8.
- Exercise scenario
- A passenger aircraft ditching with 228 people aboard and impacting container vessel MV Zumba.
- International observers
- 32 observers from 30 countries are expected.
- Awards
- 2026 awards recognized MV Jabal Ali 9 and MV Aisopos, IFB Joy Maa Kaliganga, Coast Guard Ship Sachet, and Coastal Police Station, Beypore.
Sources
Indian Coast Guard To Host 24th NMSAR Board Meeting At Bhubaneswar, Followed By Sarex‑2026 Off Paradip
ICG Drives Global Maritime Safety: 24th National Maritime Search And Rescue Board Sets Stage For Multinational Exercise SAREX-2026