Hovercraft to be permanent feature of Goa Coast Guard
VASCO: Satisfied with a trial run of its hovercraft in the State, the Coast Guard now hopes to find some permanent space to station the hovercraft at a beach to assist in surveillance and in search and rescue operations.
VASCO: Satisfied with a trial run of its hovercraft in the State, the Coast Guard now hopes to find some permanent space to station the hovercraft at a beach to assist in surveillance and in search and rescue operations.
Interacting with media persons on board the hovercraft during a trip from Bogmallo to Candolim on Saturday, Coast Guard DIG M Baadkar said the Coast Guard plans to anchor the hovercraft in Goa for surveillance as well as for search and rescue operations.
“The hovercraft will be used for surveillance and for search and rescue operations. It will come handy especially when the fishermen are in trouble as it can be easily moved out into the sea to rescue the fishermen in distress,” said Baadkar.
“The Coast Guard had undertaken a trial run of the hovercraft in Goan waters and we are now in search of a place along the coastline. We will request the State government to allot us a place to station the hovercraft,” said Baadkar.
Following the three-day trial runs, Baadkar said he would submit a report to his headquarters regarding the feasibility of stationing the hovercraft in Goa.
“We have to work out the logistics involved in maintenance, fuelling of the craft and other necessary amenities, before we could go ahead with plans to anchor the hovercraft in Goa,” stated Baadkar.
When brought to his notice that Goa’s beaches are already being utilized for tourism activities, Baadkar replied, “The Coast Guard is well aware that Goa is a tourist destination and we do not wish to hamper tourism activities along the beaches.”
When reminded that the Coast Guard could utilize the beach which is being occupied by the Navy, Baadkar clarified that they would not have any problem to anchor the hovercraft at the navy beach.
“However, the beach does not have any approach road and it will be difficult to refuel the craft, store water and other necessary items,” he said.
To another query on the number of hovercraft the Coast Guard intends to station in Goa, Baadkar replied that hovercraft are normally stationed in pairs.
