| Abstract Submission No. | ABS-3.1-0092 |
| Title of Abstract | Development of Search and Rescue Aid Tool (SARAT) |
| Authors | Vijay Pottapinjara*, Venkata Sai Gulakaram, Thirumal Banoth, Karthik TNC, Kunal Chakraborty, Arya Paul, Harikumar R, Arun Singh, Sudheer Joseph, Balakrishnan Nair TM |
| Organisation | Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) |
| Address | Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services Hyderabad, Telangana, India Pincode: 500090 E-mail: vijay.p@incois.gov.in |
| Country | India |
| Presentation | Oral |
| Abstract | Prediction of the probable position of a lost object or a person at sea is inherently challenging due to the chaotic nature of the sea and the complex interaction of the lost object with its environmental forcings. The objects tend to drift away from the lost location. Search and Rescue (SAR) agencies must search for the object over a vast area with limited search facilities. An optimal utilization of resources implies a smaller search area with a high probability of locating the object. Therefore, to aid the Indian SAR agencies in saving valuable human life and lost property at sea, we developed the Search and Rescue Aid Tool (SARAT) based on LEEWAY, a Lagrangian model. SARAT can predict the probable marine drift of various lost objects under the combined influence of forecasted surface currents and winds for up to 5 days ahead, given the type and the last known position and time of the lost object. This study discusses the theoretical details, development, implementation, and operationalization of SARAT. It further discusses a thorough validation of SARAT against observations to show that the final positions of lost objects are well within the ambit of the predicted search areas of high probability. This operational web application aids SAR operations of India and other Indian Ocean countries, contributing to safer seafaring. |
| Keywords | Search and Rescue, Marine Drift, Leeway, Indian Ocean |