INSV Tarini Crosses Point Nemo, Achieves Major Milestone in Navika Sagar Parikrama II

Bhubaneswar: In a remarkable achievement for Indian maritime exploration, INSV Tarini, helmed by Lieutenant Commanders Dilna K and Roopa A, successfully crossed Point Nemo, the most remote location on Earth, at 0030 hours (IST) on January 30, 2025. This historic moment took place during the third leg of the Navika Sagar Parikrama II expedition as the vessel sailed from Lyttelton, New Zealand, to Port Stanley, Falkland Islands.

Point Nemo, situated at 48°53′S 123°24′W in the South Pacific Ocean, is the Oceanic Pole of Inaccessibility, lying approximately 2,688 kilometers from the nearest landmass. Its extreme remoteness makes it one of the most isolated places on the planet, where even the closest human presence is often astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

Beyond their sailing feat, the officers collected vital water samples from Point Nemo, which will be analyzed by the National Institute of Oceanography. These samples will contribute to global oceanographic research, offering insights into marine biodiversity and the chemical composition of this rarely studied region.

The expedition, aimed at making Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A the first double-handed circumnavigators from India, commenced on October 2, 2024, from Goa. The crew was flagged off by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff.

Their journey has been grueling. After 39 days at sea, they reached Fremantle, Australia, before braving the Great Australian Bight and the turbulent Tasman Sea en route to Lyttelton, New Zealand. The current leg across the Pacific Ocean has been particularly demanding, with the officers navigating two cyclones and continuous cold fronts of the Southern Ocean, which caused damage to their boat.

Their next challenge is rounding Cape Horn, one of the most treacherous maritime passages in the world. Considered the “Everest of sailing,” Cape Horn is infamous for its violent storms, massive waves, and extreme conditions. Very few sailors have successfully navigated this perilous stretch.

The Navika Sagar Parikrama II expedition exemplifies the courage and resilience of Indian Navy women officers, reinforcing India’s commitment to scientific collaboration and oceanic exploration. The expedition is part of the Sagar Parikrama series, a prestigious initiative by the Indian Navy that has produced all eight Indian sailors who have circumnavigated the Earth via the Great Capes of the Southern Ocean.