New Delhi: Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Director General Rakesh Pal, a distinguished officer with over 34 years of service, passed away today in Chennai due to a cardiac arrest. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed deep sorrow, stating that Pal was a dedicated and capable leader under whose guidance the ICG made significant strides in bolstering Indias maritime security. Deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Rakesh Pal, DG, Indian Coast Guard in Chennai today. He was an able and committed officer. My heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family, Rajnath Singh tweeted.Rakesh Pal, who took over as the 25th Director General of the Indian Coast Guard on July 19 last year, was reportedly scheduled to meet the Defence Minister at an ICG event. However, he was rushed to Rajiv Gandhi General Hospital after experiencing uneasiness earlier in the day. The Defence Minister, who was in Chennai for a separate event, visited the hospital to pay his respects to the departed officer.Coast guard on the situation Throughout his illustrious career, Rakesh Pal held several key positions both at sea and ashore, including Commander of the Coast Guard Region (North West) and Deputy Director General (Policy and Plans). He also served as Additional Director General at the Coast Guard Headquarters in Delhi. Pals extensive maritime experience was marked by commanding a range of ICG vessels, such as the Samarth, Vijit, Sucheta Kriplani, Ahalyabai, and C-03. His leadership extended to managing two strategically important Coast Guard bases in Gujarat—Okha and Vadinar.Elevated to the rank of Additional Director General in February 2022, Pal played a pivotal role in several high-profile operations, including the seizure of contraband worth crores. His passing leaves a significant void in Indias maritime defense leadership.
