Indian Coast Guard Director General Rakesh Pal died in Chennai after suffering from cardiac arrest, media reports said.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh condoled his death and posted on X: "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."

Who is Rakesh Pal?

DG Rakesh Pal was appointed as the 25th Director General of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) last year.

He was an alumnus of the Indian Naval Academy and joined Indian Coast Guard in January 1989.

He had undergone professional specialisation in Gunnery & Weapons Systems at Indian Naval School Dronacharya, Kochi, and an Electro-Optics Fire Control Solution course from the United Kingdom.

In his distinguished career spanning over 34 years, the flag officer  held several key appointments, prominent among them are Commander Coast Guard Region (North West), Gandhinagar, Deputy Director General (Policy & Plans), and Additional Director General Coast Guard at Coast Guard Headquarters, New Delhi.

Besides, he held various prestigious staff assignments viz. Director (Infra & Works) and Principal Director (Administration) at Coast Guard Headquarters, New Delhi.

He has vast sea experience and commanded all classes of ICG ships namely; ICGS Samarth, ICGS Vijit, ICGS Sucheta Kriplani, ICGS Ahalyabai, and ICGS C-03.

The Officer has also Commanded two Coast Guard bases of the forward area in Gujarat - Okha & Vadinar.

DG Rakesh Pal was elevated to the rank of Additional Director General in February 2022 and was posted at Coast Guard Headquarters, New Delhi.

DG Rakesh Pal was conferred with Tatrakshak Med