Latest news with #NavikaSagarParikrama
New Indian Express
29-05-2025
- New Indian Express
Two women navy officers script maritime history after successful navigation of globe
GOA: The sea and sky bled into each other — dull grey and indistinguishable — when INSV Tarini reappeared on the Goan horizon on Thursday. The who's who of the Indian Navy had already assembled on the long pier extending into the Zuari River at Mormugao Port, Vasco da Gama, to welcome their flagship sailing vessel. Aboard were Lieutenant Commanders Dilna K, from Kozhikode in Kerala, and Puducherry native Roopa Alagirisamy, who had successfully navigated over 25,400 nautical miles over eight months in a voyage around the world — part of the Navy's ambitious Navika Sagar Parikrama expeditions. With their arrival in Goa, the two naval officers made history, becoming only the ninth and tenth Indians to have circumnavigated the globe. They are also the first all-woman pair to accomplish the feat in a double-handed mode. Such was the magnitude of the occasion that even Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stood waiting on the pier to receive them. Speaking as the chief guest, he said, 'The duo has made the nation proud by waving the tricolour across the globe.' 'This miraculous voyage is not only your achievement — it is ours as a nation,' he added, also acknowledging the many men and women who enabled the mission. Rajnath urged the officers to document their experiences 'with the same spirit with which [they had] completed it.' 'Record your bittersweet experiences and learnings, so the future generation, especially young women, can draw inspiration,' he said.
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First Post
29-05-2025
- First Post
3 cyclones, 4 continents, 50,000 km: How 2 Indian Navy women officers completed historic voyage
Two women officers of the Indian Navy, Lieutenant Commander Roopa A and Lieutenant Commander Dilna K, will arrive in Goa on Thursday after completing a historic voyage across the world's three largest oceans. Covering 25,400 nautical miles (around 50,000 km) and touching four continents, they sailed through stormy weather and faced three cyclones. The officers were part of the crew of 'Navika Sagar Parikrama', which set out aboard INSV Tarini from Goa on October 2 last year read more Lieutenant Commander Roopa A and Lieutenant Commander Dilna K will arrive in Goa. Image: Indian Navy Two women officers of the Indian Navy have completed a historic journey across the world's three largest oceans, braving rough seas, cyclones, and some of the most remote maritime regions. The Indian Navy is preparing to welcome the crew of 'Navika Sagar Parikrama', who travelled aboard INSV Tarini. Lieutenant Commander Roopa A and Lieutenant Commander Dilna K are expected to arrive in Goa on Thursday (May 29, 2025). Notably, INSV Tarini began its expedition from Goa on October 2 last year. The mission aimed to sail around the globe without any external support, using only wind power. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In this explainer, we look at who the two Navy officers are, how they tackled storms and harsh weather, and how they travelled across four continents over eight months. Let's take a look: Two women officers of Indian Navy and the mission: All you need to know Over eight months, two Indian Navy officers, often referred to as '#DilRoo', sailed 25,400 nautical miles (around 50,000 km) across four continents, three oceans and three Great Capes. Relying only on sails and wind, they faced tough sea conditions and extreme weather throughout the journey. Lieutenant Commander Roopa A and Lieutenant Commander Dilna K, aboard INSV Tarini, are set to return to Goa on Thursday. #NavikaSagarParikrama_II#IndianNavy's expedition of circumnavigating the globe by two women officers - Lt Cdr Dilna & Lt Cdr Roopa onboard #INSVTarini. Flagged off from Goa on #02Oct 24 by Adm Dinesh K Tripathi #CNS. Watch The Journey So Far ⬇️ 177 Days - 19400 nm (36000 km)… — SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) March 28, 2025 This will mark the completion of the second edition of the Navy's Navika Sagar Parikrama, a landmark voyage, and the first time Indian women have circumnavigated the globe in a two-member crew. The journey began on October 2 last year from the Naval Ocean Sailing Node in Goa. The Navy confirmed that the expedition followed all international rules for circumnavigation, which include crossing every meridian and returning to the original starting point. In a press note, the Indian Navy said, 'The expedition symbolises India's maritime endeavours, showcasing the nation's prominence in global maritime activities and Indian Navy's commitment to excellence and Nari Shakti signifying the motto 'Courageous Hearts Boundless Seas'.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD During their voyage, the officers made port calls at Fremantle (Australia), Lyttleton (New Zealand), Port Stanley (Falkland Islands), and Cape Town (South Africa). They took part in several outreach and diplomatic activities, meeting with parliamentarians, Indian communities, school children, naval trainees, and university staff in different parts of the world. They were also invited as special guests to the Western Australian Parliament in honour of their efforts. Western Australian Parliament felicitated the crew of Indian Naval Sailing Vessel Tarini, which is undertaking a global circumnavigation expedition 'Navika Sagar Parikrama II'. #NavikaSagarParikrama_II@CGIPerth @indiannavy @IndiannavyMedia @MEAIndia — India in Australia (@HCICanberra) November 15, 2024 According to the Navy, their achievement has drawn praise from local communities, global sailing organisations and international lawmakers, and stands as a 'beacon of women empowerment, maritime excellence and national pride'. How the Navy officers battled stormy weather and cyclones During their journey, the crew dealt with winds reaching up to 50 knots (93 kmph), stormy weather and freezing temperatures. 'It set the ultimate test of human endurance, perseverance and sailing skills,' the Navy said. While every leg of the trip came with its own hurdles, the third stretch from Lyttleton to Port Stanley proved to be the toughest. The officers faced three cyclones and crossed the dangerous Drake Passage before rounding the feared Cape Horn. 'The circumnavigation highlights the unwavering spirit, exceptional valour, courage and perseverance of the officers amidst challenging conditions of the sea and nature,' the Navy said in the press release. The cyclones were encountered near 'Point Nemo', known as the 'Oceanic Pole of Inaccessibility', the point in the ocean farthest from any land, according to a report by The Indian Express. In mid-February, the crew rounded Cape Horn at the southern tip of South America, around 800 km from Antarctica, braving continuous rain, fierce winds and waves taller than five metres. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This earned them the honour of being called 'Cape Horners', which is usually given to sailors who pass Cape Horn under sail. Notably, INSV Tarini, named after the Tara Tarini temple in Odisha, had earlier completed the first Navika Sagar Parikrama in 2017–18, when an all-women crew became the first Indian team to sail around the world. This expedition is the first time an Indian woman duo has done it without any additional crew. What next? The crew's arrival at Mormugao will be marked by a ceremonial reception attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, senior Navy officials, Ministry of Defence representatives, and the officers' families. A formal debrief and recognition event will follow in the coming days. 'A sail parade is being planned to welcome the two adventurers on May 29. The sailing fraternity will be there to welcome them,' an official told The Times of India. In its statement, the Navy said, 'The crew exemplified the spirit of exploration, showcasing seafaring skills at a global stage. It has been a journey of empowerment, innovation and commitment to India's maritime heritage, charting new paths for a brighter and empowered future.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
The Print
28-05-2025
- Science
- The Print
3 oceans & a crew of 2 on historic voyage: Women Navy officers to return home after 8 months at sea
A formal 'flag-in' ceremony is scheduled to be held Thursday at the Mormugao Port Trust, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expected to preside over the event. Lieutenant Commanders Dilna K. and Roopa A., sailing aboard Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Tarini, are bringing to a close the second edition of the Navy's Navika Sagar Parikrama, a pioneering expedition that marks the first-ever global circumnavigation by Indian women in a double-handed mode. The voyage was undertaken without port assistance and relied entirely on wind power for propulsion. New Delhi: After eight months of sailing across the world's three largest oceans and navigating some of the remotest and most challenging maritime zones, two Indian Navy officers are set to return to Goa Thursday, achieving a rare feat in Indian Naval history—a double-handed circumnavigation under sail. The expedition began on 2 October last year from the Naval Ocean Sailing Node in Goa. Over the course of eight months, the officers covered a distance of 25,400 nautical miles (approximately 50,000 kilometres), sailing across the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, and successfully rounding the three key capes recognised in global circumnavigation—Cape Leeuwin in Australia, Cape Horn in South America and the Cape of Good Hope in Africa. The Navy confirmed that the mission adhered to all international circumnavigation norms, including crossing all meridians and returning to the starting point. An official said that INSV Tarini encountered at least three cyclones and passed near 'Point Nemo', the Oceanic Pole of Inaccessibility, often described as the remotest location on Earth's oceans. The duo sailed through sub-zero temperatures, persistent rain and wind speeds touching 50 knots, with waves rising over five metres. Additionally, in mid-February, the vessel crossed Cape Horn, located just over 800 kilometres from Antarctica, a milestone known in sailing circles for its unpredictable and often dangerous conditions. Completing this leg under sail earned the officers the recognition of 'Cape Horners', a designation historically reserved for seafarers who successfully round Cape Horn without engine assistance. The officers' achievement has drawn particular attention, not just for the endurance it required, but also for the preparation behind it. Both were mentored and trained under Commodore Abhilash Tomy (Retd), a decorated naval sailor and solo circumnavigator who had made global headlines in 2023 after winning the Golden Globe Race—one of the most challenging solo sailing races in the world. Tomy's experience in ocean sailing, including surviving a near-fatal accident in the 2018 edition of the same race, was key in shaping the officers' readiness for high-risk offshore sailing. Also Read: Indian Navy flexes muscle in Arabian Sea with long-range precision anti-ship missile firings Diplomatic outreach, scientific objectives During their expedition, the officers made four port calls—Fremantle (Australia), Lyttleton (New Zealand), Port Stanley (Falkland Islands) and Cape Town (South Africa). These stops, though not for assistance, were used for diplomatic outreach events organised by Indian embassies and missions. The officers interacted with students, naval cadets, academics and members of the Indian diaspora. The Navy said that in Fremantle, the duo was also honoured as special invitees at the Western Australian Parliament. Beyond sailing, the expedition also included scientific objectives. In collaboration with the National Institute of Oceanography and the Wildlife Institute of India, the officers collected data on marine microplastics, ferrous content in seawater and documented sightings of large sea mammals, contributing valuable information to marine research. This mission follows the first Navika Sagar Parikrama in 2017-18, which saw a six-member all-woman Indian Navy crew circumnavigate the globe aboard the same vessel, INSV Tarini. The current expedition pushed the limits further by scaling down to a two-member crew, intensifying both the physical and operational demands of the voyage. The Navy has further described the mission as a significant milestone in its efforts to foster gender inclusivity and leadership roles for women in operational domains. Both officers have undergone advanced training in navigation, meteorology and seamanship and were selected after multiple rounds of sea trials and evaluations. (Edited by Mannat Chugh) Also Read: India to get HawkEye 360 tech from the US. Here's how it spots 'dark vessels'
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Time of India
Naval women officers' team set to complete historic circumnavigation
Panaji: The two naval officers, Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa Alagirisamy, who sailed out of Goa on Oct 2 as the first-ever Indian duo to circumnavigate Earth, are a whisper away from Goa's coastline. The two women will arrive at Mormugao port on May 29, completing an eight-month-long voyage, sailing into history books. Their return will mark the successful conclusion of a 21,800-nautical-mile journey onboard INSV Tarini, the Indian Navy's iconic sailboat. The circumnavigation took them through four oceans, crossing the equator twice and rounding the five Great Capes — a route acknowledged globally as the gold standard in ocean sailing. 'The Tarini is doing about 120-150 nautical miles a day and is quite close. The early onset of the monsoon was a bit of a surprise and a last-minute challenge,' said a source. The voyage tested not just endurance but training imparted by the Navy. The officers navigated some of the world's most hostile waters, including the South Pacific and the Southern Ocean. They battled towering waves, gale-force winds, and long spells of isolation with only each other for company and the Tarini as their shelter. This mission, said naval officers, was part of the Navy's broader initiative to showcase women's role in maritime operations. It also aimed to inspire a new generation of women to embrace adventure and take to the seas — a domain long dominated by men. The duo trained extensively at the Ocean Sailing Node in Goa under the watchful gaze of solo circumnavigator Cdr Abhilash Tomy (retd). Their voyage was closely monitored by the Indian Navy, but the officers were largely self-reliant once they left port. INSV Tarini, named after the Tara Tarini temple in Odisha, earlier carried out the historic Navika Sagar Parikrama in 2017-18, when an all-women crew became the first Indian team to circumnavigate the globe. This current expedition, however, marks the first time an Indian woman duo has achieved the feat — without additional crew. The arrival at Mormugao will be marked by a ceremonial welcome attended by defence minister Rajnath Singh, naval brass, defence ministry officials and families of the sailors. A debrief and formal recognition ceremony is also planned in the days ahead. 'A sail parade is being planned to welcome the two adventurers on May 29. The sailing fraternity will be there for welcoming them,' said an official. With this voyage, Lt Cdr Dilna and Lt Cdr Roopa join a select club of global sailors who completed circumnavigations under sail.
New Indian Express
26-05-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Navika Sagar Parikrama II voyage unaffected by container ship's capsizing on Kerala coast
KOCHI: The capsizing and the eventual sinking of a Liberia-flagged container ship, MSC ELSA 3, some 30-odd nautical miles off the Kochi coast on Sunday, has now raised a concern for sailing enthusiasts in the country eagerly awaiting the return of INSV Tarini, the Indian Navy's celebrated sailing vessel. Steered by lieutenant commanders Dilna K, who hails from Kozhikode in Kerala, and Pondicherry-native Roopa A, the vessel was slated to return to Goa this week, thus completing the second Navika Sagar Parikrama mission of the Indian Navy - a circumnavigation of the globe by women officers. Though Tarini's location was withheld for the past many weeks on account of the ongoing Operation Sindoor, sailing enthusiasts had estimated that the duo, fondly called DilRoo, were just off the coast of Kerala, and very likely near these affected waters. 'INSV Tarini is sailing in the same weather that… capsized this great ship,' a sailing veteran wrote. Another pointed to how 'containers, which had gotten detached from the ship and are now floating in the waters half-submerged, could mean dangerous navigation.' However, an official attached to the Navika Sagar Parikrama mission has confirmed to TNIE that 'DilRoo are indeed safe and that they have already passed ELSA.' He also added that the flag-in ceremony will take place as earlier scheduled. Another official told TNIE that instructions were already relayed to INSV Tarini 'to stay far away from the coast until it's time to enter Goa.' This, he clarified, was to avoid getting in the way of rescue and reconnaissance efforts surrounding the MSC ELSA 3 incident. It was on October 2 last year that INSV Tarini departed for its ambitious voyage around the world. On its successful completion on Thursday, DilRoo will have covered over 21,600 nautical miles (approx 40,000 km) relying solely on wind power. The voyage is the fourth expedition in the Navy's Sagar Parikrama series, and the second to be steered by an all-woman team.
