Visakhapatnam has witnessed the commencement of an ambitious maritime expedition as the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Tarini sets sail on the second leg of its Navika Sagar Parikrama-II journey. Departing from Fremantle, Australia, the vessel began its voyage to Lyttelton, New Zealand, on November 24, 2024, at 08:30 AM. The departure was marked by a heartfelt farewell from an enthusiastic crowd, who gathered to wish the crew a safe and successful journey.
The Navika Sagar Parikrama-II initiative, which launched on October 2, 2024, under the auspices of Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, represents a pioneering effort in maritime exploration. This leg of the journey features a dual-handed circumnavigation of the globe undertaken by two women officers of the Indian Navy, Lieutenant Commander Dilna K and Lieutenant Commander Roopa A. During the first segment of their journey, the crew successfully navigated approximately 4,900 nautical miles in 39 days, culminating in their arrival at Fremantle on November 9.
While in Fremantle, the crew received a warm reception from the Consul General of India in Perth, representatives from the Royal Australian Navy, and members of the Indian diaspora, including veterans of the Indian Armed Forces. Their stay involved engaging activities focused on promoting gender equality and fostering global maritime cooperation, emphasizing India’s dedication to women’s empowerment in diverse fields.
The crew’s accomplishments were recognized at the Western Australia Parliament, where they participated as special invitees, interacting with parliamentarians and attending a session that honored their expedition. During their time in Fremantle, they also undertook system checks and repairs on the Tarini, aided by a shore team from India, and made sure to replenish their provisions ahead of the next stage of their voyage.
With the guidance of Commander Abhilash Tomy (Retd), the officers are gearing up for a challenging stretch across notable maritime landmarks, including Cape Leeuwin and Tasmania. This next phase will span approximately 3,400 nautical miles (6,300 kilometers) over an estimated 20 days. The crew is expected to encounter various challenges, from fluctuating weather conditions to decreasing temperatures as they navigate the Southern Ocean.
Beyond their exploration efforts, the crew has actively inspired young individuals through visits to local schools and naval bases, where they shared insights on resilience and innovation in pursuing one’s dreams. As INSV Tarini continues its journey toward Lyttelton, it symbolizes not only India’s rich maritime heritage but also a steadfast commitment to empowering women across all sectors.
