CHENNAI: The Indian Coast Guard decommissioned ICGS Sarang, an offshore patrol vessel that had served the force for nearly 27 years, at a ceremony held at Chennai Port.
The vessel was commissioned on June 21, 1999, and was initially based in Mumbai before being shifted to Chennai in April 2002.
Built by Goa Shipyard Limited, Sarang was the third Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel of the Samar class inducted into the Coast Guard fleet.
During its service, the vessel was deployed for coastal and offshore surveillance, maritime security operations, search and rescue missions, and other Coast Guard duties.
Coast Guard officials also highlighted the ship's role in firefighting operations aboard the oil tanker MT New Diamond off the coast of Sri Lanka in 2020.
The decommissioning ceremony was presided over by Additional Director General Donny Michael, Commander, Coast Guard Eastern Seaboard, and attended by serving and retired Coast Guard personnel, former commanding officers, and crew members associated with the ship over the years.