Paradip, Jan. 4: An improvised hovercraft of the Indian Coast Guard has become an object of curiosity on Puri beach.

The unique vessel with its inbuilt technical mechanism is capable of weathering rough sea and shallow waters, said a coast guard official.

The air cushion vehicle (H-193) is in transit at Paradip before it makes its way to the coast guard base.

A hovercraft, also known as an air-cushion vehicle or ACV, is capable of moving over land, water, mud or ice and other surfaces. Its utility value goes up manifold particularly during rescue and relief operation, said V. Vijay, deputy commandant (operation), coast guard, Paradip.

"The vessel has evoked curiosity among the people here. We have deputed officials to explain to the onlookers the intricate technicalities of the vessel. The crowd mostly includes schoolchildren," said a coast guard official.

"It was exciting to see the vessel. It has many improvised features," said Dipti Pattnaik, a local resident.

Apart from coast guard ships, hovercraft has also been pressed into service for coastal patrolling exercise. The coast guard has launched Operation Olive to intercept illegal sea fishing so that safety of marine turtles is ensured. The hovercraft has emerged as a tool to curb unlawful fishing in Gahirmatha sanctuary.