Navika Sagar Parikrama II of the Indian Navy’s INSV Tarini successfully crossed the International Date Line (IDL) today at 1130 hours IST, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing global circumnavigation journey. As the vessel sailed eastward, the crew made the necessary adjustments to their clocks to account for the date change, symbolizing the seamless transition between two consecutive calendar days.
This historic event comes as part of the expedition's third leg from Lyttelton Port, New Zealand, at approximately 0930 h local time (0200 h IST) on January 4, 2025. The vessel is now en route to Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands, embarking on the longest leg of the journey, covering an approximate distance of 5600 nautical miles (around 10,400 kilometers).
This leg will also be the southernmost stretch for INSV Tarini, reaching latitudes of about 56 degrees South. The current expedition, Navika Sagar Parikrama II, is a historic double-handed circumnavigation, being undertaken by two Indian Navy women officers, Lieutenant Commander Dilna K and Lieutenant Commander Roopa A. This daring venture symbolizes India’s increasing influence in the field of maritime exploration and highlights the nation’s growing capabilities in naval operations on a global scale.
Launched on October 2, 2024, from Goa, India by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, the Navika Sagar Parikrama-II expedition is attempting a double-handed circumnavigation of the globe via the three Great Capes—Good Hope, Leeuwin, and Horn. The successful completion of this endeavor will be a testament to the skill, resilience, and determination of the crew members, showcasing India’s expanding maritime prowess.
As the INSV Tarini continues its journey across the world’s oceans, it stands as a beacon of India’s commitment to strengthening its maritime capabilities and furthering international cooperation in the field of exploration and science.