Indian Naval Vessel INSV Tarini Embarks on Historic Voyage from New Zealand
The Indian Naval Sailing Vessel Tarini, part of the Navika Sagar Parikrama II expedition, recently set sail from New Zealand’s Lyttelton Port, marking a significant milestone in India’s maritime history. Led by two female sailors from the Indian Navy, Lieutenant commanders Roopa K and Dilna K, the vessel departed from Goa on 2 October to circumnavigate the globe.
The INSV Tarini crew arrived in Lyttelton on 22 December after a 28-day journey from Fremantle, Australia, covering approximately 6500km. The vessel’s visit to New Zealand attracted members of the Indian and Māori communities, who bid farewell to the sailors as they embarked on the third leg of their expedition towards Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands.
The expedition aims to sail approximately 40,000km over eight months aboard the 17m-long vessel, showcasing India’s maritime capabilities and commitment to gender equality on the high seas. The crew conducted repairs and maintenance in New Zealand to prepare for the challenging upcoming leg, which includes crossing the South Pacific, navigating the treacherous Drake Passage, and rounding Cape Horn.
Indian community members, including Christchurch Multicultural Council president Surinder Tandon, expressed admiration for the sailors’ bravery and role modeling, highlighting the crew’s inspiring journey that transcends gender barriers. Tandon, who interacted with the INSV Tarini crew during their 2017 visit, shared his enthusiasm for welcoming them back to New Zealand in the future.
As the crew prepares to navigate towards Cape Town, South Africa, and ultimately return to Goa, the expedition serves as a testament to India’s ocean sailing enterprise and its dedication to promoting inclusivity and diversity in maritime exploration. Through mentorship from retired Commander Abhilash Tomy, the first Indian to complete a solo, non-stop circumnavigation of the globe, Lieutenant commanders Roopa K and Dilna K exemplify the spirit of adventure and resilience that define this historic voyage.