Kochi: The first Indian Naval Ship to participate in the 'Operation Sagittarius' in the Malacca Straits, 'INS Sharda' was given a grand reception by Southern Naval Command, when it returned to its base in Kochi after an extended deployment of over three months.

The ship, an offshore patrol vessel of the Indian Navy based at Kochi, left Kochi on April 2 with the task of escorting high value cargo of the USA, meant for sustaining the operations in Afghanistan, across the Malacca Straits, which was known for its high density of shipping traffic and also incidents of piracy.

Talking to reporters on board, captain of the ship commander V V S Raju said during its deployment, the ship had undertaken 12 escort missions, plying between Port Blair and Singapore.

The captain said he was satisfied with the mission and the morale of the entire crew members was good.

The ship had 15 crew members, 130 sailors and an eight member Commandos team to meet any contingencies. Besides, the ship had embarked a helicopter to facilitate effective surveillance, he said.

PTI