Telugu veterans embark on transoceanic sailing voyage from NZ to India

Honouring the rich maritime heritage and seafaring traditions of the Telugu people, two veterans and senior citizens, Colonel K Srinivas (Retd), formerly of the EME, and Captain C.D.N.V. Prasad (IN) (Retd), both from the 63rd course of the National Defence Academy (1980), have set sail on a remarkable voyage across the Indo-Pacific.

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The duo departed from Opua Bay, New Zealand, at 1000 hours on May 14,2025 (time zone -12), aboard their 34-foot sailboat, TYSTIE, bound for Savusavu, Fiji—their first port of call on a longer passage to India.

Currently registered in Poland, the vessel is expected to be re-registered under the Indian flag and likely rechristened VISHAKHA upon its arrival in Visakhapatnam later this year, in homage to the iconic port city.

Both officers hail from Andhra Pradesh and are proud alumni of the prestigious Sainik School, Korukonda (1971 entry batch).