Indian women script history crossing Cape Horn of South America
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New Delhi: Sailor-duo Lieutenant Commander Dilna K and Lieutenant Commander Roopa A of the Indian Navy scripted history on Saturday after successfully crossing the Cape Horn of South America. The duo crossed the point, located at the southern tip of the continent while sailing on the third leg of the Navika Sagar Parikrama II expedition onboard INSV Tarini. The Indian Navy has called their feat a “significant achievement”, The Free Press Journal reported.
Indian Navy said in a statement that the sailors’ trip took them through the Drake Passage, which is named after the English explorer Sir Francis Drake. Drake confirmed the existence of an open sea route in South America, the statement said.
The statement read, “It is a treacherous waterway known for its extreme winds, towering waves and unpredictable weather. Making their successful passage a significant achievement.”
The Indian sailors earned the prestigious title of “Cape Horners” after the duo crossed the Cape Horn. Cape Horners is the designation traditionally given to the elite group of seafarers who have successfully navigated Cape Horn under sail.
Cape Horn is located some 800 kilometres (432 nautical miles) from Antarctica, and it is one of the closest land points to the polar continent. To pass the Cape, exceptional navigation skills and resilience to the tough conditions of the Southern Ocean are required. Navika Sagar Parikrama II is a continuation of India's efforts to support scientific exploration and collaboration.