Two indigenous Coast Guard hovercraft reached the Adimalathura coast near Vizhinjam on Monday, expanding India’s maritime surveillance and rescue capability in shallow coastal waters around southern Kerala. The vessels, H-561 and H-562, arrived from Kochi during trial voyages covering coastal areas under Coast Guard stations in the southern region.
Built by Chowgule Shipyard in Goa, the hovercraft are part of a six-vessel programme being developed domestically under the Centre’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The programme is intended to reduce dependence on foreign-built platforms while adding operational capacity for coastal patrols, monitoring vulnerable stretches and responding to emergencies.
Unlike conventional vessels that are restricted by water depth and shoreline conditions, the hovercraft can operate both at sea and on land. According to the report, each vessel can reach a maximum speed of 96 kmph, carry a load of up to eight tonnes and accommodate 42 personnel. These capabilities are designed to support operations in shallow waters and areas where conventional boats may face access limitations.
The Coast Guard currently operates 12 foreign-built hovercraft. The two indigenous vessels are being tested through a series of trial voyages scheduled to conclude at Haldia in West Bengal. Premjit Sahol is the commanding officer of the hovercraft that reached Vizhinjam, with each vessel carrying three officers and 16 personnel.
The vessels were received at Vizhinjam by station commanding officer Suresh Kurup and executive officer Commandant Biju Philip. They are scheduled to leave for Thoothukudi on Tuesday as the trial programme continues.
The arrival also places attention on the operational requirements of Vizhinjam, which is emerging as an international port and tourism destination. Officials said the Coast Guard station could potentially be allotted a dedicated hovercraft unit in the future. Such a deployment would be intended to improve surveillance and response times along the southern coastline, especially in shallow waters and areas frequented by tourists.
The vessels’ current visit is part of their trial and movement schedule. A permanent deployment at Vizhinjam, however, has not been announced. The six-hovercraft programme and the ongoing trials will determine how the new platforms are integrated into the Coast Guard’s regional operations.
