Director General of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), Rakesh Pal, has passed away due to a severe cardiac arrest. The incident occurred on Sunday while he was at INS Adyar, preparing for a visit from Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Pal experienced chest pain and was swiftly transported to Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital in Chennai. Despite medical efforts, he was pronounced dead around 7 p.m.
Rajnath Singh and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin offered their condolences at the hospital. In a statement on X, Singh expressed his sorrow: "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."
An alumnus of the Indian Naval Academy, Rakesh Pal joined the Coast Guard in 1989. His career included roles such as Commander of the Coast Guard Region (North West) in Gandhinagar, Deputy Director General (Policy & Plans), and Additional Director General at Coast Guard Headquarters, New Delhi. He also commanded several Coast Guard vessels including ICGS Samarth, ICGS Vijit, ICGS Sucheta Kriplani, ICGS Ahalyabai, and ICGS C-03. Additionally, he led two Coast Guard bases in Gujarat—Okha and Vadinar.
Pal was honored with the Tatrakshak Medal in 2013 and the President's Tatrakshak Medal in 2018 for his distinguished service. He was originally from Uttar Pradesh.
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