(Press Release: Unedited)
Indian Coast Guard Hovercraft H-187, the first of the series of 12 Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs) designed and built by Griffon Hoverwork Limited (GHL), UK, was commissioned at Okha by Vice Admiral MP Muralidharan, AVSM, NM, the Director General Indian Coast Guard. The commissioning ceremony was witnessed by Deputy Inspector General BS Yadav, PTM, Commander Coast Guard Region (North-West) and other dignitaries from Central and State Government.
The 21 meters long Air Cushion Vehicle displaces 31 tonnes and can achieve a maximum speed of 45 knots. The ACV is capable of undertaking multi-farious tasks such as surveillance, interdiction, search and rescue and rendering assistance to small boats/craft in distress at sea.
The
Air Cushion Vehicle H-187 will be based at Okha under the
Administrative and Operational Control of the Commander Coast Guard
Region (North-West). The hovercraft is commanded by Commandant Anurag
Kaushik, who is a Communication specialist. The hovercraft has a crew
of two Officers and 11 Enrolled Personnel (EPs).