New Delhi: Indian Coast Guard Hovercraft H-187, the first of the series of twelve Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs) designed and built by Griffon Hoverwork Limited (GHL), UK, was commissioned by Vice Admiral MP Muralidharan, the Director General Indian Coast Guard, at Okha in Gujarat today. The commissioning ceremony was witnessed by Deputy Inspector General BS Yadav, Commander Coast Guard Region (North-West) and other dignitaries from Central and State Government.

The 21 meters long Air Cushion Vehicle displaces 31 tonnes and can achieve a maximum speed of 45 knots. The ACV is capable of undertaking multifarious tasks such as surveillance, interdiction, search and rescue and rendering assistance to small boats/craft in distress at sea.

The Air Cushion Vehicle H-187 will be based at Okha under the Administrative and Operational Control of the Commander Coast Guard Region (North-West).

The hovercraft is commanded by Commandant Anurag Kaushik, who is a Communication specialist. The hovercraft has a crew of two Officers and 11 personnel.