Western Australia’s Parliament recently hosted a special felicitation ceremony for the all-women crew of the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel, Tarini, currently on a global circumnavigation expedition. The event celebrated the achievement of the two-member crew, comprising Lieutenant Commander Dilna K and Lieutenant Commander Roopa A, who were present at the ceremony. Their vessel is a part of the expedition named Navika Sagar Parikrama II, which has made Fremantle, a prominent port city in Western Australia, its first port of call.
The High Commission of India in Canberra commemorated the occasion through a post on social media platform X, highlighting the significance of the crew’s journey. This ambitious expedition was officially launched from Goa on October 2 this year, under the leadership of Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of Naval Staff.
During the ceremony, Sue Ellery, a member of the Legislative Council of Western Australia, praised the crew, calling them “true trailblazers.” She expressed hope that their remarkable journey would inspire young girls and women to explore opportunities within the Indian Navy. Ellery extended her congratulations to both crew members for their impressive undertaking and conveyed her best wishes for the remainder of their voyage.
As of now, the vessel has covered an impressive distance of 4,900 nautical miles, successfully crossing the Equator on October 24 and the Tropic of Capricorn on October 27. Throughout their 38-day non-stop journey, Lt Cdr Dilna and Lt Cdr Roopa have navigated a variety of weather conditions, from calm seas to severe storms, bravely facing winds reaching up to 40 knots. Despite the challenges, the crew has maintained good health and high spirits, showcasing their resilience and determination in the face of demanding circumstances.
