The Indian Coast Guard today stationed its ship 'Vajra' at the Paradip Port to ensure better maritime surveillance in Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) adjoining the coast of Odisha and West Bengal.
The 74-metre long ship of the Indian Coast Guard has the facility of helicopter landing, and is equipped with 300 MM guns and other modern arms and ammunition, coast guard officials said.
At least 34 jawans and a commanding officer will provide round the clock service on the ship, they said.
Besides keeping a vigil in the coastal region, 'Vajra' will also be used in rescue and relief operations during natural calamities or accidents in the sea, they said.
"The response to any call can be immediately met with help of Vajra. Earlier, we had to bring big ships from either Vishakhapatnam or Chennai during any rescue operation. Now, with Vajra in Paradip, our response time would be less," Coast Guard (North East) IG Commander KC Pandey said.
"Three Single Point Moorings (SPM) will be more secured in the sea due to the vigil by Vajra," Paradip port Deputy Conservator Gauri Prasad Biswal said.
