CHENNAI, SEP 19 : The Indo-US Coast Guard Joint Exercise “Abhyas-01/22” was conducted off Chennai today.

The exercise focussed towards acquainting the Coast Guards with each other’s capabilities and strengthen their working level relationship towards enhancing inter-operability in the field of maritime search and rescue, boarding operations and other maritime law enforcement duties.

The highlights of the exercise encompassed various fleet manoeuvers, the scenario of the hijacking of a vessel and subsequent rescue of its crew in a coordinated anti-piracy joint operation of both countries.

Interdiction of pirated vessel, coordinated joint boarding operation, SAR demonstration and external fire-fighting to salvage burning ships were the other highlights of the exercise, a defence release said.

Meanwhile, the 4-day goodwill visit of United States Coast Guard Cutter Midgett to Chennai from September 16 culminated today.

During the visit USCG ship had professional exchanges on Visit-Board-Search-Seizure, Cross Deck visits, and also a friendly Volleyball match with their Indian Coast Guard counterparts.(UNI)