Overview
- The Indian Navy’s traditional wooden sailing vessel completed its passage from Gujarat’s Porbandar to Muscat, marking arrival with a ceremonial water salute.
- The project originated in a July 2023 tripartite agreement between the Ministry of Culture, the Indian Navy and Goa-based Hodi Innovations with government funding.
- Artisans from Kerala led by master shipwright Babu Sankaran built the hull using stitched planks bound with coir rope, coconut fibre and natural resin, with the vessel launched in Goa in February 2025.
- Commander Vikas Sheoran skippered the voyage with Commander Y Hemant Kumar serving as Officer-in-Charge, while Sanjeev Sanyal joined the crew and posted frequent updates.
- The ship features heritage motifs on its sails, a sculpted Simha Yali on the bow and a Harappan-style stone anchor, and it is named for the legendary mariner Kaundinya.