New Delhi, Nov 21 (NationPress) More than 6,000 personnel and over 115 sea and air assets participated in a two-day Coastal Security Exercise Sagar Kavach-02/25 along the coastline of Maharashtra and Goa, organized by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), an official reported on Friday.

The exercise took place from November 19-20, showcasing excellent inter-agency coordination, strong operational readiness, and solid capabilities to tackle maritime security challenges, including threats from Anti-National Elements (ANEs) targeting critical coastal infrastructures, as stated by an official.

With participation from over 6,000 personnel, more than 115 sea and air assets, and a diverse array of central and state agencies, ports, and coastal authorities, the exercise aimed to evaluate the readiness of all involved agencies in managing coastal security crises, safeguarding vital coastal installations, and further bolstering the multi-layered Coastal Security Network.

Moreover, it sought to improve collaboration among central and state stakeholders responsible for coastal and maritime security, the statement added.

A wide range of maritime and aerial assets were deployed, including ships from the Indian Navy and ICG, ICG Dornier aircraft, Chetak helicopters, and Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs). Additional resources included Marine Police boats, Customs and CISF vessels, and assets from the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB), alongside boats from the Police and Fisheries Department, ensuring smooth coordination across all operational domains.

The exercise significantly improved interoperability, communication networks, and coordination among security, intelligence, and port management agencies.

The comprehensive involvement of 19 central and 13 state agencies, along with one major port, 21 minor ports, and district-level coastal authorities, ensured thorough coverage of both sea and shore responses, said the official statement.

On Thursday, the ICG apprehended a Bangladeshi fishing vessel along with 28 crew members for illegal fishing within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), officials revealed.

The vessel was intercepted during routine patrolling and escorted to Frazerganj in West Bengal. Subsequently, the crew, along with the boat, was handed over to the state Marine Police for legal proceedings.

Officials noted that the operation was conducted in accordance with standard operating procedures to protect India's sovereign rights over its maritime resources.

This marks the fourth seizure in a week, demonstrating heightened vigilance and patrolling by the Coast Guard on the eastern seaboard. They claimed that the ICG has intensified patrols over recent weeks to deter illegal fishing and conserve marine biodiversity.

The Coast Guard emphasized that its role as the nation's primary responder at sea extends beyond search and rescue to include ensuring maritime safety and security.