Kochi: It was an emotional send off for the families of the officers and men on board INS Tarangini, the sail training ship of the Indian Navy, which left Kochi on Monday on an eight month voyage through Europe.
Vice-Admiral Sunil Lamba, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Sou-thern Naval Command, flagged off the ship in a departure ceremony held at the naval base, Kochi. Six officers, 40 sailors and 30 trainees are on board the ship which is commanded by Commander Gaurav Gautam.
While the officers and men will continue on board for eight months, trainees will part of the journey for a short term.
The expedition, which is expected to face inclement weather and choppy waters and cover 17,000 miles, seeks to instil among the crew, especially the trainees, a sea-sense and respect for the elements of nature.
During the expedition, named Lokyan ‘15, the ship will participate in the annual Tall Ships’ Race and other events organised under the aegis of Sail Training International.
The ship is scheduled to participate in the first ever race with the newly-acquired Oman Navy’s Sail Training Ship Shabab Al Oman, from Muscat in Oman to Kochi in India.
About 300 sail ships of various sizes from all over the world are expected to participate in this year’s race.
