Indian Navy Exercise Sea Vigil 2024 Held at HQ TN&P

INN/Chennai, @Infodeaofficial

The fourth iteration of the Indian Navy’s Coastal Defence Exercise Sea Vigil 2024 was successfully held at its Headquarters in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, in cooperation with Central and State agencies. The goal of the exercise was to evaluate and fortify the coastal security system, preventing and thwarting maritime threats. In order to test the security agencies’ readiness and reaction, a number of mock attacks and Coastal Patrols were carried out.

Key Highlights of the Exercise:

Interception of Red Force Trawlers:

On November 20, 2024, at 1100 hours, the Marine Police, Rameswaram, captured four Red Force personnel aboard a fishing trawler. The boat was stopped five miles off the coast of Olaikuda in the Palk Bay area. After extensive questioning, it was discovered that TV Tower in Rameswaram was their target.

Attack on Muyal Island:

Three Red Force militants attempted to use fishing boats to penetrate the Tamil Nadu coast in a mock attack on Muyal Island. However, the vigilant Tamil Nadu police officers stationed off the Gulf of Mannar quickly captured them.

Successful Foiling of Simulated Attacks on IGCAR Kalpakkam

A mock attack on the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) Kalpakkam was successfully thwarted by the Indian Navy, the Tamil Nadu Commando Force, and the National Security Guard. Four Red Force armed intruders launched a mock attack on IGCAR Kalpakkam on November 20, 2024. Three hostages were taken by the attackers before the Tamil Nadu Commando Force was able to restrain them after responding quickly to the warning. After taking control, the National Security Guard was able to neutralise the terrorists and free the captives.

Mine Attack on Vessels at Anchorage

Another incident occurred on November 21, 2024, when Red Force divers tried to mine valuable ships that were docked in Chennai Harbour. However, the intended attack was stopped before the divers could reach their objective because of the Tamil Nadu police’s attentiveness.

Hijack Attempt of MV Fairway

The MV Fairway was the target of a hijacking attempt on November 21, 2024, at 0918. The ship was anchored 1.5 nautical miles off Chennai Port and had been taken over by Red Force armed attackers. The Tamil Nadu Commando Force was quickly deployed by the Crisis Management Group.

But when the hijackers refused to negotiate and took the crew hostage, things became more heated. MARCOS (Marine Commandos) from Vizag were flown in and deployed to address the situation. The situation was brought under control by the MARCOS, who were able to neutralise the terrorists and rescue the captives.

Conclusion

For the round-the-clock Vigil, 11 Indian Navy surface ships and aviation assets were deployed. During the drill, the Indian Navy also accomplished a number of KRAs.

At HQTNP, the Subsidiary Joint Operations Centre was fully operational and staffed around-the-clock by staff from seven Central and State agencies. By including a representative from each agency in the exercise, the SJOC was able to establish an efficient and direct line of communication with all the agencies, ensuring that reports are shared promptly and that crucial measures are performed with the least amount of delay.

While validating the newly created SOPs for intrusion in uninhabited islands, the effectiveness of the response mechanism implemented by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department with support from all other agencies was assessed. The Indian Navy and ICG are included in the escalation matrix of the new SOPs.

The readiness and cooperation of several agencies in reacting to possible threats are shown by these simulated exercises. The professionalism and skill of the country’s defence systems are demonstrated by the successful thwarting of these attacks. Additionally, the simulation illustrated the value of rapid response, site-specific readiness, and interagency cooperation in bolstering national security. Sea Vigil 2024’s effective execution demonstrates India’s dedication to protecting its maritime borders and preserving its citizens and culture.