In a significant achievement for maritime exploration, INSV Tarini, helmed by Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A of the Indian Navy, successfully crossed Point Nemo at 0030h (IST) on 30 January 2025. This milestone was reached during the third leg of Navika Sagar Parikrama II, while sailing from Lyttelton, New Zealand, to Port Stanley, Falkland Islands.
Located at 48°53′S 123°24′W, Point Nemo is the Oceanic Pole of Inaccessibility—the most remote location on Earth, situated approximately 2,688 kilometers from the nearest landmass. This isolated point in the South Pacific is renowned for its extreme remoteness, making it a remarkable waypoint in the circumnavigation journey.
As part of their scientific mission, the officers collected water samples from this remote region, which will be analyzed by the National Institute of Oceanography. These samples will contribute valuable data on marine biodiversity, chemical composition, and oceanic conditions, furthering global oceanographic research.
An Unyielding Voyage Through the World’s Toughest Waters
INSV Tarini’s circumnavigation aims to establish the first double-handed Indian crew to sail around the world. The team embarked on their journey from Goa on 2 October 2024, flagged off by Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff.
After a 39-day voyage across the Indian Ocean, the crew reached Fremantle, Australia, to a warm welcome. The next leg saw them navigate the Great Australian Bight and the Tasman Sea, enduring massive winds and waves before reaching Lyttelton Port, New Zealand. After a brief halt for essential maintenance, they set sail once again—this time towards Cape Horn, the world’s southernmost landmass before Antarctica, infamous for its treacherous conditions.
Their Pacific crossing has already tested their endurance, as they braved two cyclones and relentless cold fronts of the Southern Ocean, causing damage to their vessel. Yet, the crew has demonstrated unwavering resilience, facing both violent storms and dead calms with equal determination. Now, after more than 90 days and thousands of nautical miles, they have successfully navigated the most isolated point on Earth.
A Testament to Indian Naval Excellence
Navika Sagar Parikrama II is a monumental expedition, showcasing the determination, skill, and courage of the Indian Navy’s women officers. It also furthers scientific collaboration and oceanic research, reinforcing India’s maritime legacy.
As the journey continues, INSV Tarini now charts its course toward its next destination—Port Stanley, Falkland Islands.
This expedition is part of the renowned Sagar Parikrama series, a long-running initiative by the Indian Navy that has paved the way for all eight Indian sailors who have successfully circumnavigated the globe via the legendary Great Capes of the Southern Ocean.
