From Kochi to the world and back: An emotional homecoming for INS Sudarshini
Kochi : INS Sudarshini , Navy’s indigenously built sail training ship, which was flagged off from Kochi on Jan 20, returned to the city on Monday after completing a transoceanic voyage that witnessed 17 distinct port calls in 11 countries across Asia, Europe, Africa and North America.
Commanding officer Cdr N Ravikanth said the ship sailed across four different waterbodies — Arabian Sea, Red Sea, Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean , known for its treacherous waters.
The 10-month expedition, Lokayan 26 , saw the ship participate in Escale à Sète maritime heritage festival in France and SAIL 250 and International Naval Review , organised as part of commemorative events in the United States marking 250 years of its independence. The ship visited four ports on the east coast of the United States — Norfolk, Baltimore, New York and Boston.
Cdr Ravikanth said the crew experienced swells of more than 4 to 5 metres in the seas and oceans, with waves coming ashore onto the ship. “We had situations where the ship was experiencing winds of 50 to 60 miles an hour from ahead,” he said.
The ship’s return was marked by emotional scenes as the crew members’ families reunited with them. Toddlers were seen calling out for their fathers as the ship approached the jetty, concluding a voyage of over 22,000 nautical miles.
Lt Cdr Akash said, “The sea was rough — the Red Sea and the Mediterranean — but crossing the Atlantic was a major achievement for us. We crossed it twice, and both times it was a different experience.”
The homecoming was marked by a water-cannon salute and a ceremonial welcome by the naval band. The flag-in ceremony was presided over by Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command , Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena .
Commanding officer Cdr N Ravikanth said the ship sailed across four different waterbodies — Arabian Sea, Red Sea, Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean , known for its treacherous waters.
The 10-month expedition, Lokayan 26 , saw the ship participate in Escale à Sète maritime heritage festival in France and SAIL 250 and International Naval Review , organised as part of commemorative events in the United States marking 250 years of its independence. The ship visited four ports on the east coast of the United States — Norfolk, Baltimore, New York and Boston.
Cdr Ravikanth said the crew experienced swells of more than 4 to 5 metres in the seas and oceans, with waves coming ashore onto the ship. “We had situations where the ship was experiencing winds of 50 to 60 miles an hour from ahead,” he said.
The ship’s return was marked by emotional scenes as the crew members’ families reunited with them. Toddlers were seen calling out for their fathers as the ship approached the jetty, concluding a voyage of over 22,000 nautical miles.
Lt Cdr Akash said, “The sea was rough — the Red Sea and the Mediterranean — but crossing the Atlantic was a major achievement for us. We crossed it twice, and both times it was a different experience.”
The homecoming was marked by a water-cannon salute and a ceremonial welcome by the naval band. The flag-in ceremony was presided over by Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command , Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena .
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