Indian Coast Guard DG Rakesh Pal Dies Of Heart Attack In Chennai

New Delhi: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Director General (DG), Rakesh Pal died on Sunday after reportedly sustaining a major heart attack. According to the sources, Rakesh Pal developed chest pain at INS Adyar when he was in discussion with the officials about the preparations for Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's visit to Chennai. The officials present with him immediately rushed Pal to the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital (RGGGH) in Chennai at around 2.30 pm, where he passed away at around 7 pm without responding to the treatment. 

Meanwhile after receiving the passing away of ICG DG Rakesh Pal, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh immediately reached the Rajiv Gandhi hospital and paid their last respects to the Indian Coast Guard DG. 

Rajnath Singh later took to X to express his grief, saying, "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." 

DG Rakesh Pal was appointed as the 25th director general of the Indian Coast Guard in July last year. An alumnus of the Indian Naval Academy, Rakesh Pal joined the Indian Coast Guard in January 1989. In his career spanning over 35 years, the flag officer has held several key appointments, prominent among them are Commander of the Coast Guard Region (North West), Gandhinagar, Deputy Director General (Policy & Plans), and Additional Director General Coast Guard at Coast Guard Headquarters, New Delhi.

Pal had a vast sea experience and commanded all classes of ICG ships including the names of 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 conferred with the Tatrakshak Medal in 2013 and the President Tatrakshak Medal in 2018 for his illustrious service.