Navika Sagar Parikrama II: INSV Tarini Reaches Cape Town, South Africa

The Navika Sagar Parikrama II (NSP-II) expedition, undertaken by two Indian Navy women officers, reached Cape Town, South Africa, completing the fourth leg of its global circumnavigation journey. The vessel INSV Tarini was welcomed at the port by Indian Consul General Ms. Ruby Jaspreet, Rear Admiral (JG) Lisa Hendricks of the South African Navy, and Defence Adviser Captain Atul Sapahia. The South African Naval Band also performed in honor of the crew’s arrival. Flagged off on October 2, 2024, from Goa, the expedition aims to cover over 23,400 nautical miles (approximately 43,300 kilometers) in eight months, with a planned return in May 2025. The vessel has already made three stopovers at Fremantle (Australia), Lyttelton (New Zealand), and Port Stanley (Falklands, UK) before reaching Cape Town. During its stay at the Royal Cape Yacht Club for two weeks, the crew will engage with South African Navy personnel, conduct community outreach programs, and undergo scheduled maintenance and repairs.

Key Highlights of Navika Sagar Parikrama II

Overview of the Expedition

• Navika Sagar Parikrama II (NSP-II) is the second global circumnavigation voyage undertaken by women officers of the Indian Navy.
• The expedition was flagged off on October 2, 2024, from Goa by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of Naval Staff.

It is being undertaken by two Indian Navy women officers,

• Lt Cdr Dilna K
• Lt Cdr Roopa A
• Total distance: 23,400 nautical miles (43,300 km)
• Duration: Eight months (October 2024 – May 2025)
• Objective: Promote women empowerment, marine research, and strengthen India’s maritime cooperation.

Arrival at Cape Town, South Africa

Date of arrival: April 1, 2025

Welcomed by,

• Ms. Ruby Jaspreet, Consul General of India at Cape Town
• Rear Admiral (JG) Lisa Hendricks, Chief of Staff, South African Navy Fleet
• Captain Atul Sapahia, Defence Adviser of India at Pretoria
• Celebration: The South African Naval Band performed in honor of INSV Tarini’s arrival.

Previous Stopovers

• Fremantle, Australia
• Lyttelton, New Zealand
• Port Stanley, Falklands (UK)

Extreme Challenges Faced

• The crew navigated rough seas and extreme cold temperatures.
• Faced winds over 50 knots (93 km/h) and waves up to 7 meters (23 feet) high.
• Despite harsh conditions, the officers successfully continued their challenging circumnavigation voyage.

Activities in Cape Town

The vessel will stay at the Royal Cape Yacht Club for two weeks for,

• Scheduled maintenance and repairs.
• Engagements with the South African Navy at Simon’s Town Naval Base and Gordon’s Bay Naval College.
• Community outreach programs.

INSV Tarini – A Symbol of ‘Make in India’

• INSV Tarini is a 56-foot sailing vessel, inducted into the Indian Navy in 2018.
• Built indigenously, it showcases India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative.
• Has participated in multiple oceanic expeditions and is well-equipped for long-distance sailing.

Strengthening India-South Africa Maritime Ties

• The stopover in Cape Town highlights India’s growing maritime partnership with South Africa.
• Previous India-South Africa naval engagements:
• INS Talwar participated in Exercise IBSAMAR (October 2024) in South Africa.
• INS Tushil made a port call at Durban (January 2025) to strengthen naval cooperation.
• Such engagements help foster security cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Departure Schedule

• INSV Tarini is scheduled to depart Cape Town on April 15, 2025 to continue its circumnavigation journey.