The master shipwright behind INSV Kaundinya

WHEN Indian naval vessel INSV Kaundinya, built using the traditional sewn-ship technique, set sail on its maiden overseas voyage from Porbandar to Muscat on December 29, it marked another achievement in the storied career of a master Malayali craftsman.

- MANOJ VISWANATHAN @ Kochi

It was Babu Sankaran's move to Oman in 1979, in search of a job, that paved the way for the shaping of the shipwright. And over the years, the 61-year-old Vadakara resident has come to count iconic sailing vessels such as the Jewel of Muscat and the Magan among his important creations.

As a young boy, Babu assisted his father, a carpenter who built traditional fishing craft. With the help of an officer with Cochin Shipyard, the class five dropout landed a job in Oman. Though barely 15, Babu was a quick learner. He was introduced to British explorer Tim Severin, who had launched a project to recreate the legendary stitched ship Sohar.