Two Coast Guard ships commissioned at Kolkata

News:Recently,two Indian Coast Guard Ships (ICGS) namely Annie Besant and Amrit Kaur were commissioned by Defence Secretary.

Facts:

About ICGS Annie Besant:

• ICGS Annie Besant was named in honour of Annie Besant, philanthropist, theosophist, prolific author and supporter of the Indian freedom struggle. 
• The ship will be based at Chennai under the operational and administrative control of the Commander, Coast Guard Region (East).

About ICGS Amrit Kaur:

• ICGS Amrit Kaur derives the name from Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, who belonged to the ruling family of Kapurthala, Punjab. 
• She took an active part in the ‘Salt Satyagraha’ and ‘Quit India Movement’ and served Independent India as its first Health Minister.
• The ship will be based at Haldia under the operational and administrative control of the Commander, Coast Guard Region (North East).

Features of the ships:

• The ships are 48.9 metres long and 7.5 metres wide with a displacement of 308 tonnes.The ships are capable of achieving a maximum speed of 34 knots.
• They are fitted with state-of-the-art technology, navigation and communication equipment, sensors and machinery.
• They are also capable of undertaking multifaceted tasks such as surveillance, interdiction, search and rescue and medical evacuation.
• They are also equipped with Bofors 40/60 guns and 12.7 mm SRCGs (Stabilised Remote Controlled Gun) for enhancing the fighting efficiency of the ship.