Sarex‑2026 simulates large passenger plane crash to evaluate rapid maritime response

New Delhi, 7 October – The 12th National Maritime Search and Rescue exercise, Sarex‑2026, will recreate a disastrous air‑to‑sea accident off the coast of Paradip, providing a realistic test for India's rescue framework.

A mock passenger aircraft carrying 228 people will be depicted as ditching into the ocean and colliding with the cargo carrier MV Zumba. The scenario compels the Indian Coast Guard to dispatch 15 vessels, two Dornier patrol planes, three advanced light helicopters and a Chetak helicopter, while the Indian Air Force supports with C‑130J and Mi‑17 aircraft and the Navy contributes two warships.

The drill evaluates critical parameters: how quickly the distress signal is received, the speed at which resources converge on the scene, the coordination among military, state and civilian responders, and the efficiency of extracting and treating survivors. International observers from 30 countries, numbering 32, will assess the operation, fostering cross‑border cooperation.

Simultaneously, the National SAR Board’s 24th meeting, chaired by Director‑General Paramesh Shivmani, will review lessons learned, focusing on improving crisis communication, technology use and inter‑agency sync. Defence Minister Sanjay Seth will preside over the inauguration, reiterating the mantra, “Today's drill, tomorrow's safety.”