Paradip: An improvised hovercraft capable of weathering the rough sea and shallow water has become an object of curiosity drawing onlookers along the beach here.

The air cushion vehicle (H-188) is now on a transit halt in Paradip to enable tourists to have a look at it from close quarters. It has been stationed at the sandy beach. It will leave for coast guard base in a day or two, said a coast guard official.

It is capable of moving on land, water, mud or ice and other surfaces.

The marine vessel's utility value goes up manifold, particularly during rescue and relief operation, as it is equipped with sailing on shallow water-level besides muddy ground, said commandant (operation), coast guard, Paradip, Ashis.

"Residents of the port township are eagerly watching the vessel. We have stationed coast guard personnel to put in plain words the intricate technicalities of the vessel to the visitors. The onlookers mostly consist of schoolchildren," he said.

"This is the first time I saw a hovercraft. It was exciting to watch the vessel and it had many improvised features," said local resident Amulya Kumar Sahu.

Besides the coastal security surveillance exercise, the air-cushion vehicle comes in handy in rescue operation and relief exercise during natural calamities.

The coast guard has launched Operation Oliva to intercept illegal sea fishing, so that safety of marine turtles is ensured. The hovercraft has emerged as an effective tool to curb illegal trawling in the prohibited Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary.