Article Posted on : - Jan 08, 2010

INS Savitri.

NEW DELHI (PTI): After successfully carrying out surveillance and anti-piracy missions in waters of Mauritius and Seychelles for over a month, Indian Navy's offshore patrol vessel INS Savitri has returned to its base.

The ship was sent to the region after the Mauritian government sent formal requests to India for ships to carry out surveillance and anti-piracy patrols there, officials said.

“INS Savitri with a Chetak helicopter and Marine Commandos effectively sanitised far-flung sea areas of the Mauritian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), beyond the reach of Mauritian surveillance assets,” they said.

During its deployment there, the ship imparted training to marine commandos of the Mauritian Coast Guard for undertaking operations at sea and acquainted two helicopter pilots of the Mauritian Police Helicopter Squadron in deck landing on board the ship at sea, officials said.

Indian Navy has increased its presence in the piracy-affected areas and helps out friendly countries by deploying ships and aircraft there.