Indian Coast Guard Conducts 12th National Maritime Search & Rescue Exercise (SAREX-2026) in Odisha

The Indian Coast Guard held the 12th National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX-2026) off Paradip, Odisha, on October 8, 2026. It was organised under the National Maritime Search and Rescue Board (NMSARB) and reviewed by DG Paramesh Sivamani.

12th National Maritime Search & Rescue Exercise (SAREX-2026) Theme

The theme was “Leveraging Technology to Strengthen SAR Preparedness and Maritime Safety.” The exercise tested how well sea and air agencies can work together and respond to a mass rescue operation.

How Many Countries Participated in the 12th National Maritime SAREX-2026 Exercise?

A total of 32 observers from 30 countries watched the exercise. Agencies from India also took part, including the Navy, Air Force, Shipping Corporation of India, Directorate General of Shipping, Fisheries, Customs, Marine Police, Paradip Port Authority, and the Odisha government.

Activities Involved in SAREX 2026 Exercise

The drill imagined a passenger plane with 228 people crashing into the sea near Paradip Port. Its fuselage hit the container ship MV Zumba, causing damage and fire.

Main Rescue Actions Involved in SAREX 2026 Exercise

1. Setting up the Incident Command Post
2. Firefighting on the vessel
3. Rescue of people by helicopter
4. Use of life rafts and air-droppable life rafts
5. Jason Cradle and Gemini recovery methods
6. Rescue basket and scramble net operations
7. Demonstration of a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV)

Indian Coast Guard Assets Involved in SAREX Exercise 2026

1. 15 Coast Guard ships
2. 3 Dornier aircraft
3. 3 Advanced Light Helicopters
4. 1 Chetak helicopter
5. IAF C-130J and Mi-17 aircraft
6. 2 Indian Navy ships
7. Civil and state resources, plus shore-based support units

How Is SAREX 2026 Exercise Important for India?

The exercise showed India’s readiness for large rescue missions at sea. Foreign observers shared best practices, which help countries work better together and strengthens India’s image as a dependable maritime rescue partner in the region. It also supports India’s SAGAR vision and the spirit of MAHASAGAR, building a faster, technology-based, and well-coordinated rescue system. The key message is that every distress call must get a coordinated response to save lives at sea.