Kolkata June 3 : Encountering the devastating cyclonic storm Aila with an adventurous brave heart and determination, a group of 80 young cadets including 20 girls from the Bengal Naval Wing of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) completed their 430 kilometres marathon sailing expedition on Tuesday.

On reaching the Man-of-War Jetty at Kolkata, the cadets were given a rousing welcome.

These 80 cadets were chosen from West Bengal and Sikkim sailed through the turbulent River Ganga for more than two weeks.

The expedition, which started from Farakka on May 19, was conducted in four whaler class boats.

Enroute, the cadets encountered the effects of cyclone Aila such as sudden high tides and thunderstorm on May 25 but their never-say-die spirit helped them to complete the thrilling and dangerous expedition successfully.

Cyclone Aila hit parts of coastal Bangladesh and West Bengal on May 25, triggering tidal surges and floods and destroying hundreds of thousands of homes and leaving scores dead.

Commodore R Dutta, Commanding Officer of the Bengal Naval Unit of NCC said that the chief objective of the expedition was to teach the cadets about sailing experience in River Ganga which is known for its strong currents, treacherous bends and various unforeseen dangers and also to inculcate leadership qualities, camaraderie among them.

"This year our theme was ''Go Green Save the Earth'' and the cadets have carried out all the objectives and come out victorious in this sailing expedition today," he added.

Sharing her experience, Cadet Preeti Singh contended that the expedition has made her tougher and in future also she would like to participate in more of such expeditions.

"We braved the storm of May 25. Together, we braved the storm and other difficulties on our way and have reached here. We have gathered here to celebrate and re-live the moments that we have spent together," she said.

Besides, the cadets also undertook social service activities enroute and interacted with various people at places where the team ''berthed'' for short durations. (ANI)