Indian naval ship Darshak to carry out hydrographic survey |30 December 2019

INS Darshak

Indian navy hydrographic ship, INS Darshak, will be visiting Port Victoria as from today as part of its mission to carry out hydrographic survey off La Digue and Praslin islands.

The hydrographic survey consists of measuring and describing features that scientifically affect maritime navigation, construction, dredging and off-shore oil exploration and related activities.

This visit is being organised by the Indian high commission along with the Indian Navy on the request for survey from the government of Seychelles under a memorandum of understanding in the field of hydrographic cooperation signed by both sides in March 2015, thus further strengthening the defence and hydrographic cooperation between both the countries.

This will be the fourth visit by INS Darshak to Seychelles, the last one dating back to 2015.During the port call, the commanding officer of INS Darshak will call on various dignitaries of Seychelles and also interact with the national hydrographic committee over the survey requirements. The ship’s officers and crew members will also participate in several sporting, social and charitable activities during their stay in Seychelles.

INS Darshak has a total crew of 171 and is also carrying a Chetak helicopter, primarily used to ascertain the geographical extent and nature of coastline during the survey operations.

The deployment of the Indian hydrography ship on this survey assignment adds yet another chapter to the strong defence and maritime cooperation between India and Seychelles.

Press release from the Indian high commission