Chennai 27 Mar 18:- As the sun disappeared over the horizon, a glorious era of Indian Coast Guard Ship Bhikaji Cama came to an end on 27th Mar 18. Prior de-commissioning ship was based at Port Blair under Coast Guard Region (A&N). The ship was decommissioned in a traditional ceremony held at Chennai Port. The ceremony was presided over by Inspector General Rajan Bargotra, PTM, TM, Commander Coast Guard Region (East). The occasion was also graced by various military and civil dignitaries besides the previous Commanding Officer of the vessel.
ICGS Bhikaji Cama, the fourth ship in the Priyadarsini class of Fast Patrol Vessels of ICG has served the nation for more than 20 years. The ship was built by M/S GRSE, Kolkata and was commissioned into ICG in 24 Sep 1997. The ship has the honour of serving two Coast Guard regions since commissioning viz Eastern Region and was rebased from Vishakhapatnam on 30 Apr 1999 to A&N region.
During the life span, the ship sailed for 2586 days at sea and has covered a total distance of 2,26.937 Nautical Miles. She participated in various missions in line with fulfilment of CG charter of duties. During these missions, she saved 85 valuable lives in 08 SAR operations, apprehended 10 foreign fishing vessels and 131 crew responsible for poaching in Indian EEZ and evacuated 137 personnel during Tsunami relief operations in A&N region. The ship has also provided towing/salvage operations to 03 vessels thereby ensuring protection of property at sea. During 20 years in service, the ship has seen twelve Commanding Officers.
During the ceremony, an impressive Guard of hounour was paraded and with sunset, the Coast Guard Ensign was hauled down on the ship for the last time. Soon after “Decommissioning Pennant “which is equal to the ship’s length was lowered. Comdt (JG) Varun Upadhya, the Commanding Officer of the ship supervised the final ceremony and made the final decommissioning report.
While addressing the crew and esteemed guests, the chief guest highlighted the operations and contributions made by the ship and congratulated the ship and her crew for 20 years of yeoman service to the nation.
Coast Guard Region(A&N) is getting two newly commissioned ships in mid April 18 as replacement of two CG ships which got decommissioned in last one year including ICGS Bhikaji Cama and will further boost the CG operations in the region.
