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Tuesday, Jul 04, 2006

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Korean vessel docks in Chennai

Special Correspondent

Taepyungyang No. 6 will take part in the first-ever Coast Guard exercises off India

— Photo: K. Pichumani

ROLE PLAYING: The Korean ship berthed at the Chennai Port

CHENNAI: A Korean Coast Guard patrol vessel, Taepyungyang No. 6, docked at the Chennai port here on Monday to take part in the first-ever Indo-Korean Coast Guard exercises off India.

The 110-metre-long ship displaces 3,960 tonnes and carries a multi-engine helicopter, Panther and a crew of 79.

Search and rescue

The local district Coast Guard commander DIG P.K. Sirajuddin, who received the ship and its crew at the West Quay one, said the two countries began cooperating in search and rescue, controlling marine pollution, checking trans-national crimes, exchange of information with respect to rogue vessels after a Memorandum of Understanding was signed on March 13 this year.

This is the first Korean Coast Guard vessel to visit an Indian port. The exercises would help each force in knowing the capabilities of the other and to give help in times of distress or emergency.

Cooperation important

The Korean Coast Guard Director General Intelligence and Investigation, Superintendent General Cho In Hyun, said the cooperation between the two forces was important since maritime safety and law enforcement were getting greater attention. He said he looked forward to cooperating with the Indian Coast Guard. After the brief statements, NCC naval wing cadets and visitors were given a guided tour of the ship.

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