2 women Indian Navy officers are ready for a challenging voyage around the world
Two women officers from the Indian Navy -- Lt Commander Dilna K and Lt Commander Roopa A -- will embark on a remarkable journey to circumnavigate the globe on October 2, 2024. Over the course of eight months, they will sail 21,600 nautical miles (approximately 40,000 km), relying solely on wind power.
Lt Commander Dilna K hails from Calicut and was commissioned into the Indian Navy in June 2014. She is the daughter of late Devadasan, who served in the Indian Army.
Lt Commander Roopa A, from Pondicherry, joined the Navy in June 2017. Her father, Alagirisamy GP, was a member of the Indian Air Force.
Prepared for the Voyage
"We are fully prepared for the voyage," the two women officers told media persons during a media interaction. Their confidence and resilience were evident as they shared their experiences and discussed their preparation for the challenging journey ahead.
Both officers have gained extensive sailing experience in preparation for this expedition. As part of a six-member crew, they participated in a trans-oceanic expedition from Goa to Rio de Janeiro via Cape Town last year.
They also completed a sailing expedition from Goa to Port Blair and back in double-handed mode, and earlier this year, they undertook a voyage from Goa to Port Louis, Mauritius, in the same mode.
Challenging Route Through Treacherous Waters
The expedition will take the officers through some of the most dangerous waters in the world, including the treacherous passages around the three great Capes: Cape Leeuwin, Cape Horn, and the Cape of Good Hope. These are some of the most perilous areas for sailors to navigate, Navy officials said.
Sailing Aboard INSV Tarini
The two officers will be circumnavigating the globe aboard the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Tarini. The historic voyage will be flagged off from the Naval Ocean Sailing Node at INS Mandovi, Goa. Over eight months, they will rely solely on wind power and navigate the world's oceans without any external assistance.
Vice Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, highlighted the significance of the expedition. "This journey is more than just a voyage," he said, adding, "It underlines India's maritime prowess and its commitment to a greater cause, symbolizing empowerment, innovation, and our maritime heritage."
Test of Courage and Perseverance
The circumnavigation will test the officers' courage, and perseverance as they face the rigors of the high seas, extreme weather conditions, and the physical challenges of such an extended voyage. The mission pushes the boundaries of human endurance, and the Indian Navy has full confidence in the officers' ability to succeed.
Vice Admiral Swaminathan praised the expedition as a testament to empowerment and innovation, reaffirming the Indian Navy’s pledge to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and responsibility, not just within Indian waters but across the global oceans. The journey is a celebration of India's maritime heritage.
Building on a Legacy
The Indian Navy first conceived this expedition with the inaugural Navika Sagar Parikrama in 2017, when an all-women crew of six officers completed India's first circumnavigation. This second edition marks another milestone, as the two officers will be the first Indians to achieve such a feat in a double-handed mode.
Prior to this, Capt Dilip Donde became the first Indian to circumnavigate the globe in 2009-10, followed by Cdr Abhilash Tomy, the first Asian to complete two circumnavigations and the prestigious Golden Globe Race in 2022. Notably, Cdr Abhilash Tomy has played a key role in training the officers, serving as their official mentor.
The expedition is being conducted under the aegis of the Indian Naval Sailing Association, headquartered in New Delhi, and the Ocean Sailing Node, Goa, under Southern Naval Command. Both nodal centers will coordinate the voyage in collaboration with international maritime agencies and authorities.