A dramatic mock hijacking exercise unfolded in Kochi on Tuesday, simulating a 26/11-style attack and putting India's coastal defence forces to the test. The exercise, part of the biennial Sea Vigil operation, aimed to assess and strengthen the nation's maritime security apparatus.
The scenario involved the simulated hijacking of the merchant vessel Nehru Shatabdi. Upon receiving the alert, the Joint Operations Centre (JOC) swiftly mobilized a coordinated response. Marine commandos sped towards the vessel in a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) while a naval helicopter hovered overhead. Commandos rappelled from the helicopter onto the ship's deck with precision, showcasing their readiness to tackle a maritime threat.
Adding to the intensity, Fast Interceptor Boats (FIC) of the Indian Navy, capable of reaching speeds of up to 45 knots, circled the "hijacked" vessel, forming a secure perimeter. Meanwhile, another team of commandos, accompanied by Customs officials, advanced in high-speed boats. The commandos swiftly secured the vessel and neutralized the simulated threat, while Customs officials conducted a thorough inspection for contraband.
This exercise served as a critical test for India's coastal security apparatus, which was significantly bolstered following the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. The 26/11 attacks, in which terrorists exploited sea routes to infiltrate Mumbai, exposed vulnerabilities in India's maritime security. In response, India established JOCs to enhance coordination among various agencies tasked with coastal security, including the marine police, intelligence bureau, Customs, CISF, and fisheries department.
Sea Vigil, a large-scale coastal defence exercise, involves various agencies including the marine police, intelligence bureau, Customs, CISF, and fisheries department. While Tuesday's exercise involved a known threat, the real challenge lies ahead. Over the next two days, teams simulating militants will stage unannounced attacks, pushing the coastal defence forces to respond effectively to unexpected threats.
