Two Navy Officers On A Global Sailing Mission | Women's Day Special

A sailing vessel, the open ocean, and two women against all the elements. Two Indian Navy officers, Lieutenant Commander Dilna K. and Lieutenant Commander Roopa A. are on a journey few have attempted. They are sailing around the world on INSV Tarini, a 56-foot Indian Navy vessel, with no other crew members.

This journey is part of the Navika Sagar Parikrama, an Indian Navy mission to circumnavigate the globe in a sailboat crewed by women officers. The first expedition took place in 2017 with a crew of six women. This time, only two officers are on board.

The expedition was flagged off from Goa by Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi on 2nd october 2024. “On a personal note, I wish to remind you that the journey is as important as the destination,” Navy Chief Tripathi told the gathering, adding, “So, cherish every moment of your voyage and live this adventure to the fullest.” 

Roopa A. from Pondicherry, and Dilna K. from Kerala, trained for over three years before this voyage. They were trained on ocean sailing aspects of seamanship, meteorology, navigation, survival techniques and medical aid at sea.

The voyage is set to cover about 21,600 nautical miles (40,000 km) in eight months and pass through four continents, three oceans, and three difficult capes. The officers are expected to return by May 2025. The expedition is divided into five legs, with stops at four ports for resupply and maintenance. The planned route includes: Goa to Fremantle, Australia; Fremantle to Lyttleton; New Zealand to Port Stanley, Falkland; Port Stanley to Cape Town, South Africa and from Cape Town back to Goa. 

The vessel has so far completed the third phase and reached Port Stanley on 18 February. According to the press release by the Ministry of Defence, they faced three cyclones during this phase while sailing through Point Nemo, the most remote spot in the ocean. They also passed through the treacherous waters of Drake Passage before crossing the Cape Horn. 

The Navika Sagar Parikrama is in line with India라이브 바카라 policy on women empowerment. It aims to show women라이브 바카라 strength on a global stage and change attitudes toward their role in difficult tasks.

According to the Navy Chief, the expedition will also contribute towards progressing national scientific research in collaboration with the National Institute of Oceanography for study on marine microplastics and ferrous content across the seas; the Wildlife Institute of India for exploration on Mega Faunas or large sea mammals; Sagar Defence for their drones that will capture visuals of the voyage; and the Defence Food Research Laboratory towards providing customised pre cooked Indian meals.

The first edition of Navika Sagar Parikrama took place from 2017 to 2018. A crew of six women officers completed the mission. Their journey lasted 254 days, from September 10, 2017, to May 21, 2018. They stopped at four ports - Fremantle (Australia), Lyttelton (New Zealand), Port Stanley (Falkland Islands), and Cape Town (South Africa). They also made a forced technical stop at Port Louis, Mauritius. Along the way, they crossed the equator twice and sailed through three oceans.

During the voyage, the crew faced strong gales and waves as high as a nine-story building, moving at speeds of up to 120 kmph. They also suffered from extreme weather conditions, starting with 45 degrees in India, 12 degrees in Australia, 0 degree in New Zealand and sub-zero in Pacific Ocean.  “Our male officers didn’t believe we would complete the voyage,” Cdr P. Swathi, one of the six members, told The Hindu. “We did everything they challenged us to do, including baking cakes and making fluffy chapatis on board.”

After sailing 21,980 nautical miles, INSV Tarini returned to Goa on May 21, 2018. Now, in its second edition, Navika Sagar Parikrama continues its journey with two women sailing across the oceans and carrying forward a mission.