U.K. built hovercraft joins Coast Guard fleet

RAMESWARAM: A UK-built hovercraft was inducted into the Indian Coast Guard fleet at a function at nearby Ariyaman.

The craft was formally welcomed into the CG fleet by Coast Guard Commander K K Moorey at the function.

Officials said the hovercraft could not reach the Coast Guard station at Mandapam due to the rough sea.

The 21-metre-long Air Cushion Vehicle can achieve a maximum speed of 45 knots per hour and is fitted with a modern radar.

G Kumaran, PRO, said the CG base at Mandapam already has two hovercraft.

ACV commander R Suresh said the hovercraft would undertake multi-farious tasks like surveillance, interdiction, search and rescue and rendering assistance to small boats/crafts in distress at sea.