New Delhi (NVI): The decommissioned aircraft carrier INS Viraat, which was in service for 30 years, set sail for the last time, on way to Alang in Gujarat, where it will be broken down and sold as scrap.
INS Viraat, the second Centaur-Class aircraft carrier-in-service has spent 30 years in the Indian Navy and 27 years in the Royal Navy after which it was decommissioned.
INS Viraat holds the world record, as mentioned in the Guinness Book of World Records, for being the longest-serving warship of the world.
The Indian Navy took to Twitter and paid an emotional tribute to the ship with a minute-long video.
#Viraat Callsign "Romeo Two Two" – End of an era, a glorious chapter in the history of @indiannavy. She departs #Mumbai today for her final journey.
Old ships never die, their spirit lives on https://t.co/fRDe7wIfLK
— PRO Defence Mumbai (@DefPROMumbai) September 19, 2020
Viraat began its final journey from the Naval dockyard where it was berthed after being decommissioned in 2017.
A Navy helicopter circling overhead provided a majestic backdrop to Viraat’s last voyage from its home base for over three decades.
#Mumbai bids adieu to #Viraat as she leaves harbour one final time on her way to Alang, Gujarat. The flagship of @indiannavy served with distinction for three decades after her service in @RoyalNavy as #HMSHermes for over two decades.@SpokespersonMoD pic.twitter.com/tQssoyw8tp
— PRO Defence Mumbai (@DefPROMumbai) September 19, 2020
Alang-based Shree Ram group has won the bid for dismantling the ship. The company’s high capacity tugs are towing the vessel to Alang and it would take two days to complete the journey, an official said.
Alang, a beach town, houses the world’s biggest ship breaking yard.
-CHK
