Photo feature: An amazing ride in Hovercraft at Panambur
Pics: Meryick D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (MD)
Mangalore, Feb 18: Journalists in the city had a memorable time early morning on Tuesday February 18, when they were treated to a joy ride in the Hovercraft H-194 by the Coast Guards at Panambur beach.
Commanding officer Sandeep Safaya and crew members welcomed the journos and photojournalists into the Hovercraft and gave instructions prior to the ride. The ride itself was most enjoyable, a rare opportunity to travel in a Hovercraft. The magnificent view of the early morning sea from the Hovercraft was an icing on the cake.
The Hovercraft is spacious and can carry upto 25 passengers. With a top speed of 90 kmph, it has the capacity to cover 30 kilometers in a matter of just 10 minutes.
Hovercraft, also known as an Air-Cushion Vehicle (ACV), is a craft capable of travelling over land, water, mud or ice and other surfaces.
The Hovercraft H-194 arrived at Panambur beach on Friday February 14 and will leave the Mangalore shore on Wednesday February 19. Designed and manufactured by Griffon Hoverwork, Britain, the Hovercraft is 21 metres in length and weighs 31 tonnes. It is equipped with facilities to monitor suspicious activities, neutralize the enemies, conducting thorough inspections, rescuing of smaller boats etc.
People have been flocking to Panambur beach in large numbers to catch a glimpse of the vehicle.