Lt. Commanders Dilna K. and Roopa A. Embark on a Bold 8-Month Circumnavigation, Defying Nature and Breaking Barriers in an Epic Voyage of Courage and Empowerment!!!

The sky stretched endlessly, an expanse of azure so vast it appeared to merge with the horizon, where the ocean mirrored the heavens in a reflection of infinity. Beneath this boundless sky lay a body of water equally infinite in its mystery and depth. In this colossal wilderness of water, two brave souls would soon become specks against the immensity, yet their courage was as vast as the sea that awaited them. On October 2, 2024, two intrepid officers of the Indian Navy, Lt. Commander Dilna K. and Lt. Commander Roopa A., will embark on a voyage unlike any other. Aboard the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Tarini, they will circumnavigate the globe, a journey that will span months, oceans, and trials that few have dared to face. Their only companions: the wind, the waves, and the resilience that lies deep within them.

Statement by Lt. Commanders Dilna K. and Roopa A.

“As we set sail on this extraordinary expedition, we are fully aware of the challenges that lie ahead. After three years of intense preparation and training, we are ready to face the unpredictable Southern Ocean, where our sailing skills and resilience will be put to the ultimate test. Navigating through storms and fierce winds across 21,600 nautical miles and passing treacherous caps, we will manage every task independently, from navigation to cooking, with no immediate support. This journey demands immense mental strength and meticulous care for our vessel. Yet, we embrace the thrill of survival, knowing that this adventure will not only test our limits but help us discover our true selves. We embark on this voyage with pride, embodying the spirit of fearless women explorers, determined to inspire others and push the boundaries of what’s possible.”

The expedition these officers will undertake is nothing short of audacious. Over the course of eight months, they will navigate some of the most treacherous waters on Earth. The Southern Ocean, with its infamous ‘Roaring Forties,’ ‘Furious Fifties,’ and ‘Screaming Sixties,’ is notorious for its ferocious winds and towering waves, a place where even the most seasoned sailors are tested to their limits. But for Lt. Cdr Dilna and Lt. Cdr Roopa, this is not merely a test of endurance; it is a journey of self-discovery and an opportunity to demonstrate the boundless potential of women in the Indian Navy. The Navika Sagar Parikrama-II expedition will test not only their physical stamina but also their mental fortitude, demanding that they remain steadfast in the face of nature’s fiercest challenges.

Spanning a distance of 21,600 nautical miles—approximately 41,000 kilometers—their voyage is a symbol of women’s empowerment, a statement to the world that gender is no obstacle when it comes to skill, courage, and the ability to conquer the elements. Yet, this journey is not just about breaking stereotypes; it is the culmination of years of rigorous training, discipline, and a deep-rooted passion for the sea. Lt. Cdr Dilna and Lt. Cdr Roopa have prepared meticulously for this moment, mastering not only the technical aspects of sailing but also the psychological endurance needed to survive the isolation and unpredictability of life at sea.

The INSV Tarini, the vessel that will carry these officers across the world’s oceans, is no stranger to such a venture. In 2017, the boat was part of the first Navika Sagar Parikrama, a historic circumnavigation undertaken by an all-woman crew from the Indian Navy. That mission, led by six women officers, was a ground breaking expedition that proved to the world that Indian women could sail across the globe on their own. Now, Lt. Cdr Dilna and Lt. Cdr Roopa are set to build on that legacy, continuing the tradition of women leading the way in maritime exploration and naval expeditions.

The journey will begin in Goa, at the Naval Ocean Sailing Node, INS Mandovi. From there, they will sail toward Fremantle, Australia, navigating the vast and unpredictable waters of the Indian Ocean. This leg alone is expected to take 45-50 days, a gruelling stretch of ocean filled with capricious winds, sudden storms, and the ever-present threat of equipment failure. Sailing is not just about physical strength; it requires quick thinking, adaptability, and an intimate understanding of the sea’s temperament. Once they reach Fremantle, they will refuel, conduct repairs, and perhaps for the first time in weeks, feel the solid ground beneath their feet. Yet, this stop will be brief, as their adventure will have only just begun.

From Fremantle, the officers will set sail toward Lyttleton, New Zealand. As they venture further south, the waters will become colder, more turbulent, and increasingly unforgiving. The ‘Roaring Forties,’ a notorious region of strong westerly winds, will test their sailing skills to the limit. The waves in this region can tower over 30 feet, while winds can reach hurricane speeds without warning. This is where sailors are truly tested, where every decision made aboard the INSV Tarini could mean the difference between success and catastrophe.

The next leg of their journey will take them southward toward the Drake Passage, one of the most dangerous and feared stretches of water on the planet. Situated between Cape Horn, South America, and Antarctica, the Drake Passage is infamous for its unpredictable weather and monstrous waves. It is here, in the ‘Furious Fifties’ and ‘Screaming Sixties,’ that Lt. Cdr Dilna and Lt. Cdr Roopa will once again face the elements at their most merciless. Freezing temperatures, towering waves, and winds that defy logic will converge in a gauntlet that only the bravest dare to cross.

If they successfully navigate the Drake Passage, their journey will take them to Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands. This remote outpost in the South Atlantic is a place where the isolation of the sea is most keenly felt. The psychological toll of such isolation—days upon days of nothing but water, wind, and sky—can be profound. It is here that the mental strength of these officers will be tested as much as their physical endurance.

From Port Stanley, they will sail across the Atlantic Ocean toward Cape Town, South Africa, the final stretch of their Southern Ocean journey before they begin the homeward leg back to Goa. By this point, they would have faced some of the harshest conditions on Earth, but the sea, with all its unpredictability, could still offer new challenges as they head home. The INSV Tarini, though equipped with the latest in navigation and safety equipment, will ultimately rely on the skill, experience, and resilience of Lt. Cdr Dilna and Lt. Cdr Roopa to see them through.

This voyage, however, is not just a feat of naval prowess. It is a powerful symbol of women’s empowerment, a message to the world that women are equally capable of undertaking the most challenging and dangerous tasks. In a traditionally male-dominated domain like naval expeditions, these two officers are shattering glass ceilings, proving that women can lead, excel, and inspire.

The Indian Navy has long been a proponent of gender equality, and this mission stands as a shining example of that commitment. Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Vice Chief of Naval Staff, emphasized the significance of this expedition, not only as a naval achievement but as a statement about the power and potential of women in the armed forces. He commended the officers’ courage, skill, and dedication, noting that their journey will undoubtedly inspire countless others, both within the Navy and across the nation.

The daring journey of Lt. Cdr Dilna K. and Lt. Cdr Roopa A. aboard the INSV Tarini is a testament to the boundless potential of women. In braving the treacherous Roaring Forties, Furious Fifties, and Screaming Sixties, they will not only conquer the elements but also break societal barriers. Their circumnavigation stands as a symbol of empowerment, proving that gender is no limitation to greatness. With every nautical mile, they will inspire countless others, reminding the world that true courage knows no bounds, and women, too, are masters of the seas.

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