Ever wondered what it feels like to be at the most remote spot on Earth? Two Indian Navy officers, Lieutenant Commander Dilna K and Lieutenant Commander Roopa A, can now tell you precisely that!
On Thursday night at 12:30 am IST, these officers sailed through Point Nemo, the most remote location on Earth, aboard the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Tarini.
But what exactly is Point Nemo?
Located in the South Pacific Ocean, Point Nemo is 2,688 km away from the nearest landmass. It is so isolated that the closest humans are often astronauts on the International Space Station. It is also designated as a ‘spaceship graveyard’, where organisations deliberately crash their old satellites and spacecraft to ensure safe disposal.
This journey is part of Navika Sagar Parikrama II, an Indian Navy initiative promoting ocean exploration and scientific research. Notably, the passage through these isolated waters was completed entirely under sail.
How has this initiative contributed?
The officers collected water samples from Point Nemo for analysis by the National Institute of Oceanography, contributing to marine biodiversity studies.
The Indian Navy acknowledged their achievement on X (formerly Twitter), stating:
“#INSVTarini charts through the world’s most isolated waters! Lt Cdr Dilna K & Lt Cdr Roopa A cross Point Nemo – the Oceanic Pole of Inaccessibility. A testament to resilience, courage & the spirit of adventure.”
#NavikaSagarParikrama_II#NSPIIUpdates#INSVTarini charts through the world’s most isolated waters!
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) January 30, 2025
Lt Cdr Dilna K & Lt Cdr Roopa A cross Point Nemo – the Oceanic Pole of Inaccessibility. A testament to resilience, courage & the spirit of adventure.
Fair winds & following… pic.twitter.com/CvcEegoAjF
These samples will be analysed by the National Institute of Oceanography to learn more about marine life and water composition in this mysterious part of our planet.
The journey so far
The officers began their globe-circling adventure from Goa on 2nd October 2024. After reaching New Zealand just before Christmas, they are currently on the longest leg of their expedition — a 5,600 nautical mile journey to Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands.
What makes their achievement particularly special is that they crossed Point Nemo entirely under sail – no engine power needed! This showcases not just their sailing prowess but also their commitment to sustainable navigation.
More than just a sailing trip
This voyage, called Navika Sagar Parikrama II, isn’t merely about setting records. These officers are gathering vital scientific data that could help us understand our oceans better.
As they continue their journey, these naval officers are proving that with skill, determination, and a dash of adventure spirit, no point on Earth is too remote to reach.
Edited by Arunava Banerjee
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