Kochi:
The Coast Guard today conducted an exercise to demonstrate its preparedness in containing oil spills.
The CLEAN SEA-4 exercise was the first of its kind in Kochi and saw the participation of several vessels, helicopters and aircraft.
Around 12 oil spills have been recorded in last three years. Coast Guard Director General, Vice Admiral MP Muralidharan, said that with liquefied natural gas stations coming up and increasing vessel traffic, there was a need to be prepared for oil spill contingencies.
He said that by 2018, the Coast Guard intends to have a fleet of close to 150 ships and 100 aircraft. It has 70 ships and 50 aircraft right now.