Panaji: An exciting milestone was achieved on Saturday afternoon as Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa Alagirisamy successfully docked their sailboat INSV Tarini at Fremantle port in Australia, marking their first landfall after an incredible 39 days at sea. The duo embarked on an ambitious eight-month-long voyage on October 2 from Goa, aiming to accomplish a remarkable circumnavigation of the globe in a dual-handed sailing mode—a feat that would see them make history as the first Indian women team to undertake such a daring expedition.
The journey so far has been both arduous and awe-inspiring. From witnessing the rare comet Tsuchinshan-Atlas, visible from Earth only once every 80,000 years, to experiencing the mesmerizing phenomenon of bioluminescence illuminating the ocean at night, Dilna and Roopa have encountered both the beauty and challenges of the open sea. “For us, it is not about the destination; it is about the journey, and this journey has been amazing so far,” Roopa shared just a day prior to their arrival in Fremantle.
Despite a slow start due to unfavorable wind conditions, which allowed the officers to rearrange their supplies aboard the 56-foot yacht, the winds picked up significantly on October 16. With wind speeds reaching up to 35 knots, the sailboat, captained by the dynamic duo, swiftly propelled them towards the equator, where they counted themselves fortunate to witness the celestial event of Tsuchinshan-Atlas.
Throughout their voyage, Dilna and Roopa have meticulously maintained a daily log documenting their conditions and experiences while at sea. “We received all the messages from home, so we never felt alone,” emphasized Dilna, highlighting the importance of support from loved ones during their time away.
In addition to navigating the vast ocean, the two naval officers are committed to contributing to scientific research during their journey. They are collaborating with the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) and the Wildlife Institute of India to collect water samples for research on marine microplastics and ferrous content. The duo will also document sightings of large sea mammals, enriching the study of marine biodiversity.
As they continue on their expedition, they face a formidable challenge sailing into the notorious Roaring Forties and Furious Fifties, where waves can reach heights of 33 feet (10 meters). Their route includes navigating the treacherous waters surrounding Cape Leeuwin, Cape Horn, and the Cape of Good Hope. With no assistance from external sources, Dilna and Roopa will rely solely on their skills and expertise, as monitored daily by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, who officially inaugurated their daring mission.
The two officers have their own inspiring backgrounds; Dilna hails from Kozhikode and was commissioned into the Navy in 2014, following in the footsteps of her Army service father. Roopa, from Puducherry, joined the Navy in 2017, continuing the family’s military tradition established by her father, a former Air Force officer.
Upon their arrival at Fremantle marina around 5 PM local time, the sailors were celebrated with a vibrant welcome featuring Indian drummers and classical music. They were greeted by dignitaries including the Defence Attache from Canberra, the Consul General of India at Perth, representatives from the Royal Australian Navy, the Australian Coast Guard, and numerous Indian Naval veterans residing in Australia.
The INSV Tarini, a replica of the celebrated INSV Mhadei, has a storied history of its own, having completed two solo circumnavigation trips, one of which saw Abhilash Tomy become the first Indian to sail around the world nonstop. Both vessels were constructed at the Divar-based Aquarius Shipyard, symbolizing India’s growing prowess in maritime exploration and adventure.
