Indian Coast Guard DG Rakesh Pal Dies of Cardiac Arrest in Chennai

Indian Coast Guard Director General Rakesh Pal passed away in Chennai on Sunday, August 18, 2024, after suffering a cardiac arrest. The 59-year-old officer was admitted to the Rajiv Gandhi General Hospital (RGGH) earlier in the day after complaining of uneasiness while preparing for a visit by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Circumstances of the Demise

Rakesh Pal was at the principal residence INS Adyar, where he was discussing preparations for Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit when he developed chest pain. He was rushed to the Rajiv Gandhi General Hospital (RGGH) around 2:30 pm but unfortunately died without responding to treatment around 7 pm. At the hospital, attempts were made to revive him, including the use of a defibrillator multiple times, but his heart remained non-functional. Doctors found that his left anterior descending artery was fully occluded after performing an angiogram. Despite undergoing angioplasty, he developed a massive cardiac arrest and passed away.

Condolences and Respect

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin visited the hospital to pay their respects. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his condolences, stating that Rakesh Pal was an able and committed officer under whose leadership the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) was making significant strides in strengthening India’s maritime security.

Career and Achievements

Rakesh Pal was a distinguished officer with a career spanning over 34 years. He had held several key appointments, including Commander Coast Guard Region (North West), Gandhinagar, Deputy Director General (Policy & Plans), and Additional Director General Coast Guard at Coast Guard Headquarters, New Delhi.

He was appointed as the 25th Director General of the Indian Coast Guard in July 2023 and had a notable career both at sea and ashore. Rakesh Pal had commanded various Coast Guard ships, including ICGS Samarth, ICGS Vijit, ICGS Sucheta Kriplani, ICGS Ahalyabai, and ICGS C-03. He also commanded two Coast Guard Bases in the forward area in Gujarat—Okha and Vadinar.

Conferred Awards and Honours

Rakesh Pal was conferred with the Tatrakshak Medal in 2013 and the President Tatrakshak Medal in 2018 for his illustrious service.

Flags Lowered in Mourning

As a mark of respect, arrangements were being made to bring his mortal remains to Delhi. The Indian Coast Guard and government officials flew their flags at half-mast to mourn the loss of a respected leader.

Credits and Sources

This article is based on the news reports from:

Image Credits

The image used in this article is sourced from Firstpost: Indian Coast Guard DG Rakesh Pal dies of cardiac arrest in Chennai.

Summary of Key Points

Indian Coast Guard Director General Rakesh Pal passed away in Chennai on August 18, 2024, due to a cardiac arrest.
He was 59 years old and had a career spanning over 34 years in the Coast Guard.
He was highly respected and held several key appointments, including Deputy Director General and Commander of multiple Coast Guard ships.
He was conferred with the Tatrakshak Medal in 2013 and the President Tatrakshak Medal in 2018 for his service.
Both Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin paid their respects at the hospital.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who was Rakesh Pal?

Rakesh Pal was the Director General of the Indian Coast Guard. He had a distinguished career spanning over 34 years and served in several key positions, including Commander Coast Guard Region (North West), Deputy Director General, and Additional Director General.

2. What was the cause of Rakesh Pal’s death?

Rakesh Pal passed away due to a cardiac arrest in Chennai on August 18, 2024. He was admitted to the Rajiv Gandhi General Hospital (RGGH) after complaining of chest pain but did not respond to treatment.

3. What were some of Rakesh Pal’s notable achievements?

Rakesh Pal commanded various Coast Guard ships and bases and held key appointments. He was honored with the Tatrakshak Medal in 2013 and the President Tatrakshak Medal in 2018 for his outstanding service.

4. Who visited the hospital to pay respects?

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin visited the Rajiv Gandhi General Hospital (RGGH) to pay their respects to Rakesh Pal.

5. How did the Indian Coast Guard honor Rakesh Pal after his death?

As a mark of respect, arrangements were made to bring his mortal remains to Delhi. The Indian Coast Guard and government officials flew their flags at half-mast to mourn the loss of Rakesh Pal.