New Delhi: Director General of Indian Coast Guard Rakesh Pal passed away following a cardiac arrest in Chennai on Sunday. He was 58. Pal complained of chest pain at INS Adyar while he was having discussion with the officials to take stock of preparations for Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit to Chennai. He was to attend an ICG event along with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
As he complained of uneasiness, he was rushed to the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital (RGGGH) around 2.30 pm. However, he passed away around 7 pm. In a post on X, Rajnath Singh wrote, “Deeply saddened at the untimely demise of Shri Rakesh Pal, DG, Indian Coast Guard in Chennai today. He was an able and committed officer under whose leadership ICG was making big strides in strengthening India’s maritime security. My heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family.”
A career spanning 34 years
Rakesh Pal had taken charge as the 25th Director General of the ICG on July 19 last year. An alumnus of the Indian Naval Academy, he joined the Indian Coast Guard in January 1989. His distinguished career spanned 34 years. During his illustrious career, he held many key appointments and roles. These included commanding the Coast Guard Region (North West) in Gandhinagar, and serving as Deputy Director General (Policy & Plans) and Additional Director General at the ICG headquarters in New Delhi. He also carried out a number of vital staff assignments like Director (Infra and Works) and Principal Director (Administration) at Coast Guard headquarters.
Expertise in Gunnery and Weapons Systems
He was well known for his expertise in Gunnery and Weapons Systems, being the first officer from the ICG to specialise as a gunner. He also undertook an Electro-Optics Fire Control Solution course from the United Kingdom. With his enormous sea experience, he commanded all classes of ICG ships, including ICGS Samarth, ICGS Vijit, and ICGS Sucheta Kriplani, Ahalyabai, and C-03.
He led from the front as the Coast Guard carried out several key operations and exercises, including seizure of drugs and narcotics as well as gold. He was also involved in rescue of mariners during severe cyclonic storms, joint exercises with the Foreign Coast Guards, anti-poaching operations, humanitarian assistance during cyclones/ naturals calamities and Coastal Security exercises.
In February 2022, he was elevated as Additional Director General and appointed as Additional Director General at Coast Guard headquarters. Pal was conferred the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), President Tatrakshak Medal (PTM), and Tatrakshak Medal (TM) for his exceptional services.