'Vajra' decommissioned in Paradip

Paradip (Odisha): The Indian Coast Guard ship ‘Vajra’, which rendered three decades of service in maritime security, was decommissioned at a ceremony here, an official said today.

A guard of honour was given to it yesterday and with sunset the Coast Guard Ensign was hauled down on the ship for the last time. Soon after, the Decommissioning Pennant which is equal to the length of the ship, was lowered, Paradip Coast Guard Commandant Ashis said.

“We bade farewell to it for its yeomen service rendered for the past three decades”, he said. Inspector General, Coast Guard, K S Sheoran who presided over the function highlighted the contribution of the vessel in ensuring maritime security along the north east coastal water.

Built by Mazagon Dock, ‘Vajra’, named after the weapon of Lord Indra, was commissioned on December 22, 1988. It was inducted into the Paradip Coast Guard on April 11, 2013. The ship sailed for 52966 hours in the sea and covered a total distance of 524299 nautical miles, Coast Guard officials said.