Two Naval Officers Complete Historic Global Sailing Expedition

Lieutenant Commanders Dilna K and Roopa Alagirisamy returned to Goa on 29 May after completing an eight-month circumnavigation aboard INSV Tarini, marking a significant milestone in maritime history. The duo became the first from their country to sail around the globe in a double-handed mode, relying solely on each other, sails, and wind power.
Their journey, part of the Navika Sagar Parikrama II expedition, commenced on 2 October 2024 from Goa. Over 239 days, they navigated more than 25,400 nautical miles, crossing four continents, three oceans, and rounding the three major Great Capes—Leeuwin, Horn, and Good Hope. The voyage tested their endurance and seamanship, with challenges including 50-knot winds and seven-metre-high waves.
The expedition's route included stopovers at Fremantle in Australia, Lyttelton in New Zealand, Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands, and Cape Town in South Africa. Each port offered opportunities for cultural exchange and maintenance checks, ensuring the vessel's readiness for the next leg.
At the flag-in ceremony held at Mormugao Port, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commended the officers for their achievement, highlighting the growing role of women in the armed forces. He noted that their success exemplifies the increasing participation and exceptional performance of women in various military roles.
Lieutenant Commander Dilna K, hailing from Kozhikode, Kerala, and Lieutenant Commander Roopa Alagirisamy from Puducherry, both overcame personal challenges to undertake this mission. Dilna, who once feared heights, mastered climbing the 25-metre mast of the sailboat, while Roopa transitioned from aspirations in aerospace to mastering the seas.
Throughout the voyage, the officers faced extreme weather conditions, including severe cold and turbulent seas. Their resilience and teamwork were crucial in navigating these challenges, demonstrating the effectiveness of rigorous training and preparation. Open URL