In an impressive feat, Lieutenant Commander Dilna K and Lieutenant Commander Roopa A, on board the Indian Navy’s INSV Tarini, successfully sailed through Cape Horn on Saturday. This is a notable milestone in their journey for being part of the Navika Sagar Parikrama II expedition, which is on its third leg currently. The Indian Navy formally announced this historic journey in a statement.
Navigating the Treacherous Drake Passage
Cape Horn, situated at the southernmost point of South America, is notoriously tricky to sail through and is infamous for its treacherous winds, massive waves, and inconstant weather. The voyage weaves the mariners through the Drake Passage, a notorious strait named after English navigator Sir Francis Drake, who first established the fact of a sea route to the south of South America. The passage is generally considered to be one of the most dangerous and most difficult in the world.
“Making their successful passage a significant achievement,” reads the Indian Navy statement, highlighting the challenge and the grit involved in overcoming the inhospitable climate of the Southern Ocean.
A New Title for the Officers: Cape Horners
Having transited Cape Horn, the two officers now qualify for the hallowed rank of “Cape Horners,” a distinction customarily awarded only to accomplished seafarers who have negotiated this hazardous course under sail. Situated little more than 800 kilometers (432 nautical miles) off Antarctica, Cape Horn is as close to land as any place on Earth gets to the continent of ice. The transit necessitated extreme navigation skills and adaptation to the punishing environmental factors of the Southern Ocean.
Navika Sagar Parikrama II: A Historic Voyage
Navika Sagar Parikrama II is a continuation of India’s initiatives to contribute to scientific expeditions and international collaboration. The mission, which kicked off last year, is a reflection of India’s drive toward an “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” and demonstrates the country’s focus on maritime success. The journey will take 240 days, touching four continents and three oceans and traversing three tricky Capes, as the officers plan to cover 23,400 nautical miles.
Flagged off by Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, Chief of Naval Staff of India, the historic voyage is still making waves worldwide as the two women Naval officers make history, showcasing India’s capability in naval exploration.