Visakhapatnam: Two fast attack patrol vessels were commissioned by the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard on Wednesday. Indian Navy’s INS Tihayu that was commissioned into service by Eastern Naval Command commander-in-chief Vice Admiral H.C.S. Bisht, will be deployed for coastal patrol and surveillance operations along the Eastern Coast.
Indian Coast Guard’s Inshore Patrol Vessel IPV Rani Gaidinliu will be based at Krishnapatnam port for anti-smuggling, and coastal patrol operations. IPV Rani Gaidinliu was commissioned by Indian Coast Guard Director-General Rajendra Singh. The Coast Guard’s ship was named after Manipur’s freedom fighter and tribal woman warrior Rani Gaidinliu. Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam participated in the ceremony. Manipur’s former deputy CM Thounaojam Chaoba Singh and Adim Pamei belonging to the tribe of Rani Gaidinliu were present.
Mr Rajendra Singh said the changed security scenario in the maritime domain dictated the need for coastal security on a 24/7 basis wherein, the Coast Guard would have to maintain a constant vigil.
IPV Rani Gaidinliu was built by the city-based Hindustan Shipyard Ltd. The Tihayu is the second of the four follow-on water jet fast attack craft being built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd.
Conceived, designed and built indigenously, the commissioning of this ship completes the addition of another chapter to the nation’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and indigenisation efforts in the field of warship design and construction. Named after Tihayu island (presently known as Katchal island) in the Nicobar group, the 320-tonne INS Tihayu, measuring 49 metres, can achieve speeds in excess of 35 knots.
The ship is manned by a team comprising four officers and 41 sailors with Commander Ajay Kashov appointed as her commissioning Commanding Officer. The ship is capable of operating in shallow waters at high speeds and is equipped with enhanced fire power.
