Africa-Press – Mauritius. The President of the Republic of Mauritius, Mr Prithvirajsing Roopun, received today, the Indian Navy Crew comprising Captain Vipul Meherishi, Lieutenant Commander Payal Gupta, Commander Vikas Sheoran, Lieutenant Commander Kaushal Pednekar, Lieutenant Commander Dilna K, Lieutenant Commander Roopa A, at the State House, Le Réduit.
They were accompanied by the Second Secretary of the High Commission of India, Ms Swetha Moortu. The Indian Navy Crew, undertaking an expedition onboard vessel INSV Tarini, is in Mauritius as part of the Indian Navy’s preparation for attempting a solo, unassisted circumnavigation of the world, under sail power only, led by an Indian Navy woman officer.
In a statement, Captain Meherishi pointed out that the meeting with the President was cordial. Discussions, he said, focused on how to meet the challenges and how the training is being done in order to send a solo woman to circumnavigate the world.
He further indicated that experienced sailors are imparting necessary skills such as determination, mental and physical toughness to the women officers as well as techniques on how to survive at sea during high waves and winds.
Sailing to Mauritius, stated the Captain, is part of the training phase while adding that the woman officer will use the current boat for the round-the-globe solo trip.
Lieutenant Commander Roopa, for her part, pointed out that the training is fundamental for the circumnavigation which is being scheduled for September 2023.
Before undertaking the circumnavigation, she said training is important and it has started from Goa to Mauritius to have a view of the Southern Ocean.
The training started during monsoon to have practice of the rough seas and heavy winds, she emphasised. As for Lieutenant Commander Dilna, she explained that the circumnavigation is quite challenging, because no Indian woman has done till now. She expressed pride in undertaking the expedition along with the other crew members.
For More News And Analysis About Mauritius Follow Africa-Press
