The state government has sanctioned ₹ 2.60 crore for the purchase of manpower and vehicles and equipment for the unit.
The state government has sanctioned ₹ 2.60 crore for the purchase of manpower and vehicles and equipment for the unit.
The Marina Lifeguard Unit was formally inaugurated by Director General of Police C. Silendra Babu with a view to prevent accidental drowning of tourists in the sea at Marina Beach.
Chief Minister MK Stalin had announced the formation of a special unit in the assembly session last year. Accordingly, the government has sanctioned ₹ 2.60 crore for the purchase of manpower and vehicles, equipment.
The unit will include trained police personnel from Coastal Security Group, Tamil Nadu Special Police, Greater Chennai Police, fire and rescue service personnel, fishermen’s volunteers, four wheel drive vehicles, two mini tractors, and a proto-type drone developed. by Tamil Nadu Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Corporation.
Huge crowd of spectators watch the rescue operation demonstration at Marina Beach on Saturday. , Photo Credit: M. Vedhan
Eight fishermen, who were appointed as lifeguards on contract basis, have been inducted into the unit. The rescue operation and their boats were showcased live during the event to showcase the capability of the unit. Lifeguards will rescue tourists who are drowned in the ocean while bathing or playing on the beach.
Coast Guard performing rescue operation at Marina Beach in Chennai on Saturday. , Photo Credit: M. Vedhan
“The special unit will rescue fishermen in distress and capsized fiber boats by jetski, scuba divers from the Department of Fire and Rescue Services will rescue the drowned and the Coast Guard will search and rescue people in distress or children stranded at sea. On calls received on toll-free helpline 1093 and communication of information to Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre,” said Sandeep Mittal, Additional Director General of Police, Coastal Security Group.
Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner Gagandeep Singh Bedi, Police Commissioner Shankar Jiwal, and Rear Admiral S Venkata Raman, Flag Officer Commanding, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Naval Areas, were present.