INS Jamuna to do detailed hydrographic survey during deployment in Sri Lanka

PTI NEW DELHI: Indian Navy's Sandhayak-class ship INS Jamuna, which recently arrived in Sri Lanka, will carry out detailed hydrographic surveys and several shore-based survey activities over the two-month deployment period, officials said on Thursday.

Hydrographic survey ship INS Jamuna (J16), commanded by Captain H.A. Hardas, arrived in Colombo on 6 February.

The ship has been deployed to Sri Lanka based on a mutual agreement to carry out a joint hydrographic survey off the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, the Indian Navy said in a statement. The Commanding Officer called on Chief Hydrographer of Sri Lanka Navy Rear Admiral Sisira Jayakody, and Commander Western Naval Area Rear Admiral SA Weerasinghe, it said. "Over the two months deployment period, the ship will carry out detailed hydrographic surveys and several shore-based survey activities," the statement said.

Navy personnel will embark the ship during the conduct of the joint survey. Additionally, they will also be provided "hands-on survey training during every operational turn around in port", it added.

As a precursor to the survey operations at sea, several shore-based survey activities were progressed during the ship's stay in Colombo harbour including familiarisation visit of Sri Lankan personnel on board, briefing on capabilities of the ship, and a harbour training program for the Navy sailors, the statement said.

INS Jamuna also hosted a meeting between Rear Admiral Sisira Jayakody, officers of the Sri Lankan hydrographic department, and Indian officers of the ship, it said.