Indian Navy Women Officers Cross Point Nemo, Earth's Most Remote Location
31 JAN 2025
Indian Navy officers Lieutenant Commander Dilna K and Lieutenant Commander Roopa A crossed Point Nemo, the most remote location on Earth, during their global circumnavigation aboard INSV Tarini. Their journey contributes to oceanographic research by collecting water samples for scientific analysis.
PC: Via Twitter
Two women officers of the Indian Navy have achieved a significant milestone by crossing Point Nemo, the most remote location on Earth, aboard the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Tarini. Lieutenant Commander Dilna K and Lieutenant Commander Roopa A passed through the isolated region at 12:30 am IST on Thursday during the third leg of their journey from Lyttelton, New Zealand, to Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands.
Point Nemo, located in the South Pacific, is recognized as the Oceanic Pole of Inaccessibility, meaning it is the farthest point from any landmass. Situated approximately 2,688 kilometers from the nearest land, it is known for its extreme isolation and is even referred to as the ‘spacecraft graveyard’ since decommissioned satellites and space stations are guided to re-enter Earth's atmosphere and fall into this region.
The officers are part of Navika Sagar Parikrama II, a mission dedicated to global circumnavigation and maritime exploration. The Indian Navy, in a statement, highlighted their achievement, sharing updates about the journey on social media. The voyage demonstrates India's growing presence in oceanic research and naval endurance expeditions.
PC: Via Twitter
During their passage through Point Nemo, the officers collected water samples that will be analyzed by the National Institute of Oceanography. These samples are expected to contribute valuable insights into marine biodiversity and oceanic chemistry, furthering scientific research on the region’s ecological conditions.
Navika Sagar Parikrama II is a continuation of India's efforts in naval exploration and scientific collaboration. The officers set sail from Goa on October 2, 2024, with a mission to complete a global circumnavigation. Their journey has taken them through multiple legs, including a stop in Lyttelton, New Zealand, where they arrived on December 22. They then embarked on the longest stretch of their expedition—covering approximately 5,600 nautical miles to reach Port Stanley.
INSV Tarini’s successful passage through Point Nemo was accomplished entirely under sail, emphasizing the skill and expertise required for navigating such challenging waters. The vessel’s journey through this isolated expanse of the ocean underscores the complexity of maritime navigation in remote regions.
As the officers continue toward their next destination, their voyage stands as an important chapter in India's naval endeavors. The expedition not only strengthens India’s maritime capabilities but also supports scientific contributions to global oceanographic studies. Their progress will be closely followed as they make their way toward completing their remarkable journey.
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