Navy sailing vessel INSV Tarini reaches Australia
The Indian Navy’s Sailing Vessel, the INSV Tarini, which is undertaking a global circumnavigation expedition arrived at its first port of call in Fremantle, Perth in Australia.
The expedition Navika Sagar Parikrama II, reached the Australian port on November 9, the Indian Navy said. The expedition was flagged off from Goa on October 2 by Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi.
The first stop of the expedition has been made after a challenging 38-day voyage from Goa and one of the four global expedition will make around the world for replenishment of stocks.
The vessel has covered a distance of 9,000 km. It crossed the Equator on its southwards journey on October 24 and the Tropic of Capricorn on October 27.
During this 38-day non-stop voyage, the Indian Navy duo of Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A, encountered a range of weather conditions from calm to severe, facing winds up to 40 knots and rough seas.
The progress of the expedition has been closely followed by the Navy Chief, receiving daily updates. On the eve of Diwali, while the vessel was at sea, the Navy Chief interacted with the crew and found them fully motivated and dedicated to their mission.
On arrival in Australia, the INSV Tarini was honoured with a warm welcome by dignitaries, including the Consul General of India at Perth, the Defence Advisor from Canberra, Secretary of the Indian Navy Sailing Association (INSA), representatives from the Royal Australian Navy, along with members of the media and Indian Naval veterans residing in Australia.
The Tamil Association of Western Australia also welcomed the duo.
Australia is one of the four stops of the ambitious circumnavigation voyage. The two women crew expedition continues the Navy’s legacy of INSV Tarini’s first circumnavigation, promoting gender equality, sustainability, and global maritime cooperation.
The expedition also underscores India’s commitment to fostering stronger relationships with international maritime communities and serves as an ambassador of India’s rich maritime heritage.