India-Mauritius Joint Hydrographic Survey

Indian Naval Ship (INS) Darshak has completed a month long deployment from 03 Dec 16 to 03 Jan 16 in Mauritius to undertake a Joint Hydrographic Survey.

INS Darshak was deployed with the objective of preparing and publishing two new charts of Mauritian waters as per enhanced charting scheme agreed between India and Mauritius. The resultant products will be a significant step towards enhancing the level of navigational safety for merchant ships visiting Mauritius as they will replace vintage 19th century data around the island of Mauritius. The surveys will be also be extremely useful for tourism industry based in northern Mauritius as areas of Mon Choisy, Grand Bay and all small islands in the north have been surveyed in a comprehensive manner. Furthermore, data has been collected for (a) aquaculture site off Anse La Raie and deep sea transacts for scientific research at the request of the Mauritian Oceanographic Institute; and (b) for Deep Ocean Water Application Projects at the request of Continental Shelf Department of the Prime Minister's Office.

Officials of Government of Mauritius from various organizations related to ocean matters participated in the above survey and benefited from the training during ship's three sea sorties. The INS Darshak will also carry out Outer Island Support for St. Brandon and Agalega Islands during its return journey to India in January 2017.

A ceremonial fair-sheet depicting hydrographic surveys and other tasks undertaken by INS Darshak during the month long deployment in Mauritius, was presented today to the Hon. Mr Seetanah Lutchmeenaraidoo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade of Mauritius by the High Commissioner H.E. Shri Abhay Thakur, accompanied by the Commanding Officer of the Ship Capt Peush Pawsey.