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Indian Navy Duo 'DilRoo' Completes Historic 25,400-Nautical-Mile Voyage

Lt. Cdrs. Dilna K & Roopa Alagirisamy from the Indian Navy made history as they completed the Navika Sagar Parikrama II mission, aboard the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Tarini.

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Ishika Thanvi
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roopa and dilna

Image: @indiannavy

Indian Navy officers, Lieutenant Commanders Dilna K and Roopa Alagirasamy, made history as they completed the Navika Sagar Parikrama II mission, circumnavigating the globe aboard the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Tarini. The duo, popularly known as 'DilRoo', covered 25,400 nautical miles (approximately 50,000 km), crossing four continents, three oceans, and rounding three Great Capes. From braving the most unforgiving waters to sailing through the remotest points on Earth, they demonstrated unmatched skill, strength, and resilience. 

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On May 29, Lt Cdrs Dilna and Roopa will be ceremoniously welcomed back to India at Mormugao Port, Goa, with the Flag-in Ceremony to be presided over by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The Navika Sagar Parikrama II is an eight-month mission, part of India's naval exploration initiative and represents a continuation of India's efforts to support scientific exploration and collaboration. The mission also reportedly reflects India's support for Nari Shakti (women's power).

From harsh maritime environments to "no man's land"

During their voyage, Lt. Cdrs. Dilna and Roopa made port calls at Fremantle (Australia), Lyttleton (New Zealand), Port Stanley (Falkland Islands), and Cape Town (South Africa), and participated in outreach programmes engaging with parliamentarians, Indian diaspora, school children, naval cadets, and academic communities.

The naval officers also sailed through some of the most challenging points on Earth, like 50-knot winds to storms. They navigated the treacherous Drake Passage and Cape Horn, widely feared by sailors for its unpredictable and often violent seas.  

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On January 29, DilRoo crossed Point Nemo, the most remote location on Earth, during the third leg of their journey from Lyttelton, New Zealand, to Port Stanley, Falkland Islands. Located in the South Pacific, Point Nemo is regarded as the Oceanic Pole of Inaccessibility, situated approximately 2,688 kilometres from the nearest landmass.

During their passage, they collected water samples from the area, which will be analysed by the National Institute of Oceanography in Goa. These samples are expected to provide valuable data on oceanic conditions, including marine biodiversity and the chemical composition of the water, contributing to ongoing oceanographic research, the Indian Navy said in a statement to Asian News International. 

INSV Tarini's passage through Point Nemo was achieved entirely under sail, a noteworthy accomplishment in maritime navigation. The vessel's crossing through this isolated point highlights the challenges of navigating such remote and difficult waters. Point Nemo is a designated area where space agencies intentionally guide decommissioned spacecraft, including satellites and space stations, to re-enter Earth's atmosphere and fall into the ocean to avoid harm to populated areas.

dilna and roopa dilroo
Image: @indiannavy

April 2024: Another Historic Feat

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In April 2024, Lt. Commanders Dilna and Roopa completed a transoceanic sortie aboard INSV Tarini from Goa to Port Louis in Mauritius, and back, marking a significant milestone not only for the individuals involved but also for the Navy as a whole. Undertaking a journey spanning nearly 5,000 nautical miles in double-handed mode, they faced a multitude of challenges. From battling heavy winds to navigating rough seas, each leg of the journey demanded unwavering resilience and skill. The expedition, lasting two months and commencing on February 28, tested their mettle as sailors and showcased their ability to adapt to varying weather conditions.

Under the mentorship of Cdr Abhilash Tomy (retd), the only Indian to circumnavigate the world twice, the two officers underwent rigorous training spanning over three years. Their extensive experience, boasting over 25,000 nautical miles each, highlights their preparedness for the monumental task ahead.

Their journey from Goa to Mauritius echoed previous expeditions, although with a significant difference. While their prior voyages were confined to Indian waters, this transoceanic voyage signifies a leap into the vast expanse of the ocean, pushing the boundaries of their capabilities as sailors.

Who are the pioneers?

Lt Cdr Dilna K

  • Hometown: Kozhikode, Kerala
  • Navy Entry: Logistics officer in 2014
  • Achievements: Renowned shooter, national medalist in cricket, recipient of YAI’s Admiral Ramdas Trophy
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Lt Cdr Roopa A

  • Hometown: Puducherry
  • Navy Entry: Naval armament inspection cadre in 2017
  • Background: Aeronautical engineering graduate with experience in National Aerospace Laboratories, daughter of a retired Indian Air Force pilot.
  • Achievements: Recipient of YAI’s Admiral Ramdas Trophy
women in Indian Navy Lieutenant commanders transoceanic voyage