News:Recently,two Indian Coast Guard Ships (ICGS) namely Annie Besant and Amrit Kaur were commissioned by Defence Secretary.
Facts:
About ICGS Annie Besant:
- ICGS Annie Besant was named in honour of Annie Besant, philanthropist, theosophist, prolific author and supporter of the Indian freedom struggle.
- The ship will be based at Chennai under the operational and administrative control of the Commander, Coast Guard Region (East).
About ICGS Amrit Kaur:
- ICGS Amrit Kaur derives the name from Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, who belonged to the ruling family of Kapurthala, Punjab.
- She took an active part in the ‘Salt Satyagraha’ and ‘Quit India Movement’ and served Independent India as its first Health Minister.
- The ship will be based at Haldia under the operational and administrative control of the Commander, Coast Guard Region (North East).
Features of the ships:
- The ships are 48.9 metres long and 7.5 metres wide with a displacement of 308 tonnes.The ships are capable of achieving a maximum speed of 34 knots.
- They are fitted with state-of-the-art technology, navigation and communication equipment, sensors and machinery.
- They are also capable of undertaking multifaceted tasks such as surveillance, interdiction, search and rescue and medical evacuation.
- They are also equipped with Bofors 40/60 guns and 12.7 mm SRCGs (Stabilised Remote Controlled Gun) for enhancing the fighting efficiency of the ship.
