ENCIRCLED THE GLOBE BY INDIAN WOMAN NAVAL OFFICERS

The crew of six women of INSV Tarini (56-foot sailing vessel) commenced mission of encircles the world started on September 10, 2017.It is entitled as Navika Sagar Parikrama voyage. It was first ever mission commenced by women Indian crew. It focused to indicate women power on globe. It was also aimed to show case ‘Make in India’initiative.It was led by Lieutenant Commander Vartika Joshi and other crew member comprised Lieutenant Commanders Pratibha Jamwal,P Swathi, and Lieutenants S Vijaya Devi, B Aishwarya and Payal Gupta.

The voyage endured for 254 days which included 199 day at sea covering a total of 21600 nautical miles. After encircling the globe they landed in panaji, Goa It was a challenging mission as they confronted rough sea, stormy situations and severely cool weather. The vessel also witnessed winds in excess of 60 knots and waves up to 7 meters high, whilst crossing the Pacific Ocean.

They visited five countries and navigated equator twice. They floated across four continents and three oceans and passed south of the Great Capes. The expedition was completed in six legs with five stopovers at Fremantle (Australia), Lyttleton (New Zealand), Port Stanley (Falkland Islands), Cape Town (South Africa) and Port Louis (Mauritius)

Besides encircles the globe, the woman also collected and updated meteorological and ocean wave data on regular basis for accurate weather forecast by Indian Meteorological Department.

Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi congratulated the crew on the victory of their expedition and stimulate them to share and write about their unique experiences during the voyage.

Nari Shakti Award was given to them for their achievement towards the cause of women empowerment.

“The women officers made the country proud not only in staging the Indian Flag at distant shores but also exhibited the seafaring capability of Indian women.”

The determination exhibit by these young women officers will inspire future generations to take on daunting challenges and strive for success”.