A joint Search and Rescue exercise named SAREX-18 was conducted in the Bay of Bengal off Chennai yesterday between Indian and Japan Coast Guards. A total of nine Indian Ships and eight aircraft participated in the exercise. <br/><br/>Other stakeholders like the Indian Navy, Indian Air Force and the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) also sent their assets for the exercise that has been held for the seventh time. It focused on acquainting each other's capabilities, strengthening their working level relationship and further refine joint operating procedures.<br/><br/>The exercise was witnessed by Director General Rajendra Singh of the Indian Coast Guard and Admiral Satoshi Nakajima, Commandant of the Japan Coast Guard. It was also witnessed by International observers from 17 countries and members of National Maritime Search and Rescue Board.<br/><br/>The highlights of the exercise encompassed the scenario of the hijacking of a cruise vessel and subsequent mass rescue of the passengers in a joint Coast Guard operation of both the countries. Operation of helicopters of the two coast guards from the ships of each other, interdiction of pirate vessel, cross boarding and search and rescue demonstration were the other highlights of the exercise. It culminated with an impressive steam past by the ships and fly past by aircraft.<br/><br/>