INSV Kaundinya Battles Rain, Traffic on Historic Voyage to Oman

Sanyal noted that after the Day 12 update, the crew observed several bouts of heavy rain, leaving the ship damp.

"Update day 13. After yesterday's update, we had several bouts of heavy rain. Everything is damp after that. Also, the local system disrupted the wind, but it is now back from the east," Sanyal said, in a post on X.

Amid the minor inconveniences, Sanyal shared that they witnessed a "nice sunset."

"We did, however, get a nice sunset. It was still drizzling when we raised the sails. Now more than 2/3 done," he said.

Sanyal further provided an update on upcoming challenges for oil tankers and large container vessels that could disrupt smooth sailing.

"We will soon face a problem the ancient mariners did not face - oil tankers and large container vessels. So far we encountered the occasional one, but tomorrow we will enter a heavy traffic corridor," he said.

The day 13 account follows Sanyal's earlier Day 12 update, when the ship made good progress but witnessed mixed winds after midday.

"Day 12 update. After a period of lull, winds picked up last night, and we made good progress with both waves and wind in our favour till mid-may today. One can see where the saying "fair winds and following seas" comes from. We are now almost 2/3 of the voyage, but a local weather system has again given us mixed winds - not sure how long it will last," he said.

INSV Kaundinya, the Indian Navy's indigenously built traditional stitched sailing vessel, continues its maiden overseas voyage after setting sail from Porbandar, Gujarat, on December 29, bound for Muscat in the Sultanate of Oman.

- ANI